Topic 1: Classification of aquaculture production systems.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this topic the learners should be able to:
Classify aquaculture production systems

Key Terms
Brackish water, coastal, culture facility, inland, integrated, intensification, salinity
Introduction to Topic
Aquaculture production systems are diverse and therefore difficult to classify. One of the classification schemes
is based on production and value of the major categories of the systems. The primary criterion used in the
classification schema is salinity i.e., inland and coastal systems.
1.1 Classification based on salinity
Salinity may be defined simply as the salt content of water and is expressed as parts/thousand or ‰.
Inland culture
Extensive and semi-intensive culture
Production is dominated by semi-intensive rather than extensive or intensive systems. Most production is from
ponds, less from rice fields and cages,and very little from raceways and recirculating systems. Inland
aquaculture is dominated by small-scale farmers and is environmentally compatible as it is integrated into their
farms. About 95% of cultured inland finfish are non-carnivorous species. About 90% of production is carps with
tilapias a distant second in terms of production.
Intensive culture
The major species cultured is Japanese eel, over 200,000 tonnes, of which 80% is farmed in China. Second is
probably Clarias catfish with Thailand producing over 50,000 tonnes. Third is a relative newcomer, Mandarin
fish (Siniperca chuatsi) with almost 70,000 tonnes farmed in China. Thailand is a major producer of carnivorous
fish (walking catfish and snakehead in ponds) because of availability of feed : trash fish from trawlers, slaughter
house waste from processing feedlot livestock.
Brackish water occurs in estuaries.
An estuary may be defined simply as a place where a river runs into the sea.
Salinity in estuaries fluctuates :
 diurnally (daily) or semi-diurnally (twice daily) due to tides
 seasonally due to climate, especially monsoons because of heavy rainfall which increases the volume
of freshwater flow in rivers.

Coastal culture
Coastal finfish production is relatively minor compared to inland fish production with <5% of total finfish
production. However, coastal finfish are significant in some countries, particularly Indonesia, Japan,
Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. There are two major types of coastal finfish culture:
 herbivores, mainly milkfish in ponds (about 60% of the total)
 carnivores, mainly in cages (about 40% of the total)

Herbivore culture is ponds is traditional but intensive culture of carnivores in cages began in Japan only in the
late 1950’s and spread to southeast Asia in the 1980s. About 90% of Asian production of coastal carnivorous
fish is from Japan (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. A classification of major Asian aquaculture systems to indicate their diversity. (Source:
Edwards, 2000).

1.2 Classification based on commodity groups

Probably over 300 species are farmed in water. FAO produced a list of 262 finfish, crustaceans and molluscs
which are cultured commercially and with a relevant production in some country (Garibaldi, 1996). However,
relatively few species produced a significant amount of the total farmed production. Of the top 10 species
ranked in order of production by weight (Table 4.6), the top 5 produced over 1/3 (37%) and the top 10 produced
over ½ (52%) of total aquaculture production in 1997 (FAO, 1999).
Animal husbandry has even fewer major species that are farmed on a large scale, only about ten herbivorous and
omnivorous species : ruminant cattle, buffalo, goat and sheep; and monogastric pig and poultry (chicken,
duck, goose).
Usually it is stated that very few (7-30) plant species feed the world but an analysis of FAO food supply data
revealed over 100 species account for the top 90% of each country’s per caput supply of food plants by weight,
calories, protein and fat (Prescott-Allen and Prescott-Allen, 1990). Many more are farmed. However, only a
dozen plant species provide over 80% of global production of all crops (Diamond, 1998):
 cereals ¡ wheat, maize, rice, barley and sorghum
 pulse ¡ soybean
 roots or tubers ¡ potato, cassava, sweet potato
 sugar sources ¡ sugar cane and sugar beet
 fruit ¡ banana

The relatively large number of farmed aquatic organisms may reflect (See Figure 2):
 the relatively early stage in the evolution of aqaculture compared to terrestrial farming
 the diversity of cultured aquatic organisms animals and plants from inland and coastal areas (Figure
5.4) :

There are two major issues relating to cultured species :

 first, are there wild aquatic species that have the potential to be farmed? All major terrestrial crops
were domesticated hundreds to thousands of years ago. The failure to domesticate a single major new
food plant in modern times indicates that people may already tried to cultivate all useful wild plants
and have succeeded in domesticating all worth while species (Diamond, 1998).

However, this may apply less to aquaculture which is relatively new farming practice.
Therefore, the increased interest in attempting to farm wild indigenous aquatic organisms may
be justified.

 second, in contrast to terrestrial farming, most farmed aquatic organisms are genetically relatively close
to wild types i.e., they have been tamed but not domesticated genetically.
Figure 2. Diversity of cultured species (Edwards, 2000)

1.3 Culture facility

Closed systems
These are for animals that swim or move.
Rice field
A rice field may be open seasonally in terms of water exchange with the external environment.
Static water pond
A static water pond, with the exception of rainfall, receives water only when intentionally filled up with water at
the start of the culture cycle, or “topped-up” during the cycle to compensate for water loss due to evaporation
and seepage.
Running water pond or raceway
These have continuous exchange of water with the external environment, usually by gravity from rivers or
streams. Screened inlet and outlets prevent fish escape.
Pen
A pen is a fenced enclosure in a larger water body which is embedded in the mud or bottom sediment.
Cage
A cage is a box shaped enclosure which floats, is suspended, or sits on the bottom of a larger water body.
Recirculation system
A recirculation system is largely a closed water system in which water from the culture facility is treated on-site
and is pumped back into the culture facility.

Open systems
Enclosures are usually not needed if the organisms are sedentary e.g. molluscs and seaweeds.
However, clams live in soft natural substrates such as sand and mud and may need to be contained by a fence in
the culture area. Hard natural or artificial substrates are usually needed for cultured sedentary or benthic
organisms to attach to :
 bamboo
 wood
 rope
 concrete
 rocks

These may be placed on the bottom or used to suspend the organisms in the water column using poles, frames,
lines, or rafts.

1.4 Degree of intensification

Intensity of production
There are fundamental social and economic, as well as technical differences, between extensive/ semi-intensive
and intensive systems. Semi-intensive systems are characterized by low unit cost and intensive systems by high
unit cost inputs.

Extensive culture
Extensive culture depends only on natural food that exists in the culture facility. This includes natural food
brought in by water flow e.g., currents and tidal exchange. Stocking density is low as there is limited food, both
of which lead to usually a low yield. As the yield is low, therefore a large area is required to get a large harvest.
Examples of extensive culture are :
 rice/fish culture
 traditional culture of Indian major carps
 traditional milkfish culture

Semi-intensive systems
In contrast, the unit cost of inputs in semi-intensive systems is low.
Inputs are based on:
 fertilizer, either organic or inorganic, to stimulate the production of high-protein plankton, within the
culture facility
 supplementary feed which can initially be mainly a cheap energy source to “supplement” the
proteinaceous plankton.

Semi-intensive systems are of vital importance in terms of human nutrition in Asia’s densely populated
countries. They have great potential for small-scale aquaculture:
 a semi-intensive system can be developed by modifying a traditional extensive rice field/pond capture
or culture system
 fertilizer and feed inputs can be farm by-products
 the cost of purchasing off-farm fertilizers and supplementary feeds to intensify the system is cheaper
than that of nutritionally complete feeds
 the produce can be sold at a relatively low price because of a low cost of production
It is therefore affordable to poor consumers and can thus contribute to improvement of the national diet
as well as to increased farm household welfare.
 Low-cost input systems also provide a mechanism for resource poor farmers to gradually or
incrementally increase the productivity of their fish culture system.

Initially efforts should be made to promote full utilization of on-farm resources. However, resource poor farms
may need to import off-farm inputs to fully realize their production potential.

Intensive systems
High-cost input systems require the provision, usually from outside the farm, of nutritionally complete diets.
The unit cost of feed, as well as the total feed cost, is high. The fish in such systems are of a high market value
which can be marketed only as local luxury food or as an export commodity to cover the high cost of production
(see Figure 3).
Figure 3. Intensification of aquaculture systems (Edwards, et al. 1988)

Learning Activities
1. Assignment: Classification of the major aquaculture production systems in Africa: Case study of
student’s respective countries.

Summary of Topic
This topic provided a classification schema for aquaculture production systems based on production and value.
The primary criteria included salinity i.e., inland and coastal systems, commodity groups, culture facility and
intensification of production.
Further Reading Materials
Pillay, T.V.R.1990. Aquaculture, Principles and Practices. Fishing News Books.
Useful Links
[Link]
Topic 2: Site selection for land based culture systems

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this topic the learners should be able to:
 Select sites suitable for pond culture

Key Terms:
Ecological, infiltration, hydrological, meteorological, seepage, topography, precipitation, predator.

Introduction
Selection of a suitable site for an aquaculture venture will influence construction costs and affect the ultimate
success of the aquaculture enterprise. A number of factors must be considered when selecting a site. These
include ecological, biological and socio-economic factors. Need to expand
3.1 Ecological factors
3.1.1 Location
Choice of location includes inland or coastal sites depending on the species of choice. Protection against tides
etc should be considered for coastal farming. The sites should be near service components such as access to
roads, electricity, and other communication networks.
3.1.2 Topography
For smaller and flat areas eye estimation is enough, but for a big area proposed for farm construction with a
number of ponds for different purposes and of different sizes, it is essential to conduct contour survey for
determining the topography and land configuration. The land slope should be suitable; too steep slopes require
more excavation and higher construction costs. The recommended slope should not be greater than 2%.
3.1.3 Soil Suitability

Pond soil must retain water. Soils with a low infiltration rate are most suitable for fish pond. Table 1 shows the
filtration rate of different types of soils. The best soils for our purpose are thus the impermeable clay which can
be easily compacted and made leak proof.

Table 1. Infiltration rates of different types of soil (Stern, 1979)

Soil type Infiltration rate (mm/hr)
Clay 1-5
Clay loam 5-10
Silty loam 10-20
Sandy loam 20-30
Sand 30-100

A general and convenient field test for the soil quality is to take a handful of moist soil from the test holes made
at the proposed site and to compress it into a firm ball. If the ball does not crumble after a little handling, it
indicates that it contains sufficient clay for the purpose of pond construction.
3.1.4 Water supply
A dependable source of water supply must be available within or near the site. Water of proper quality and
quantity should be available in accordance with cycles of the aquaculture venture. The most common sources
are groundwater and surface water
[Link] Water quantity
The required quantity of water is dependent on:
 The type of aquaculture system
 The cultured species
 Management practices
 Culture densities
 Skill of the culturist etc

A water supply must satisfy four basic functions in aquaculture system namely evaporation losses, seepage
losses, oxygen depletion and waste disposal. A recommended flow rate is 0.28 m3/min/ha. The maintenance
inflow requirements of dynamic ponds can be calculated as;
Inflow = Seepage (s) + Evaporation (E) + Volume of replacement (∆v) – Precipitation (P)
[Link] Water quality
Good quality water is defined as water of which the chemical and physical characteristics are within the defined
units for the cultured species. The deterioration in water quality is related to amount of fish waste released into
the system.
3.1.5 Hydrological and Meteorological information
Climatological data obtained over the longest period is required and should include mean monthly temperature,
rainfall, evaporation, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed and direction, and flood records.
3.2 Biological Factors
Choice of fish species should consider both biological and economic criteria such as production costs, service
providers and related costs, consumption patterns and affordability, value adding potential, competitors, and
export potential. The biological factors to be considered include:
 Control of reproduction and seed supply
 Feed requirements and supplies
 Disease risk and management
 Processing potential and requirements
 Conservation and regulations

3.2.1 Predator control

The water source should be free of undesirable fish species and forms of insect predators. Predatory birds and
animals should be controlled in accordance to local conservation regulations and requirements. Predatory birds
can be of particular concern during site selection.
3.3 Economic and Social Factors
3.3.1 Type of culture facility
An important decision involve the choice of production system i.e. ponds, raceways, tanks etc. The choice will
be influenced by economic factors such as;
 Availability of working capital
 Availability of land
 Operator skills levels
 Labor requirements and costs
 Operating costs

3.3.2 Marketing

A market study should be an essential component of site analysis before any land is purchased or construction
commences. The aquaculturist must understand the marketing strategies and be able to interpret the marketing
climate.
 Market oriented approach: Market analysis is done before establishment of the enterprise
 Production oriented approach: This approach often lead to high levels of completion amongst
producers and conditions of oversupply.
 Environmental oriented approach: Focus is on selection of a species that will adapt to environmental
conditions in a particular geographical location.
 Species oriented approach: This is when the culturist selects a fish species

3.3.3 Safety and Security

Aspects of public health and work safety must be taken into consideration during site selection. Environmental
Impact Assessment has become a prerequisite in most cases of aquaculture development. Poaching and
vandalism should also be considered at the onset.
3.3.4 Social considerations
Aspects of job creation etc for local residents should be presented as part of the process for establishing new
projects such as large scale aquaculture ventures.
3.3.5 Legal Matters
During site selection for aquaculture, analysis of local, or national legislation and regulations should be done
such as licenses, permits etc.
Summary:
The topic covered major issues to be taken into account for appraising a site before establishment of land based
culture systems. The major issues included ecological, biological and socio-economic factors. The success of the
aquaculture enterprise will be influenced by site selection factors discussed in this topic.
Learning Activities:
1. Practical session on assessment of a site for fish pond suitability based on topography, soil, and
water supply (ecological). You have 6 weeks to complete this work.

Further Reading Materials:

Pillay, T.V.R. 1990. Aquaculture: Principles and Practices. Fishing News Books, Blackwell Science LTD.
Useful Links
[Link]/docrep/003/T0555E/T0555E06

Topic 3. Fish Pond Construction

Learning Outcomes
 Identify principles and key components essential for construction of dugout, barrage and paddy ponds
 Apply key issues of dimensioning and design, and the specification of dike height, dike crest and dike
width.

Key Terms
Dikes, Freeboard, settlement, stolons, dugout ponds, paddy ponds, embankment ponds
Introduction
When the construction site has been prepared, the fish pond and its water control structures can be built. Dikes
are the most important part of a fish pond, as they keep the necessary volume of water impounded and form the
actual pond; their design and construction is particularly important. You will learn more about pond dikes and
earthwork calculations in this topic.

3.1 Pond dykes

Characteristics of pond dikes
Any pond dike should have three basic qualities.
 It should be able to resist the water pressure resulting from the pond water depth.
 It should be impervious, the water seepage through the dike being kept to a minimum.
 It should be high enough to keep the pond water from ever running over its top, which would rapidly
destroy the dike.

Water pressure can be readily resisted by:

 anchoring your dike strongly to its foundations (the soil on which you build it);
 Constructing your dike large enough to resist the water pressure by virtue of its weight.

Ensuring impermeability
Impermeability of the dike can be ensured by:
 using good soil that contains enough clay
 building a central clayey core when using pervious soil material;
 building a cut-off trench when the foundation is permeable;
 applying good construction practices
 Ensuring that the thickness of your dike is appropriate.

3.1.2 Choosing the right height

To calculate the height of the dike to be built, take into account:
 the depth of the water you want in the pond;
 the freeboard, which is the upper part of a dike and should never be under water. It varies from 0.25 rn
for very small diversion ponds to 1 m for barrage ponds without a diversion canal;
 the dike height that will be lost during settlement*, taking into account the compression of the subsoil
by the dike weight and the settling of fresh soil material. This is the settlement allowance which usually
varies from 5 to 20 percent of the construction height of the dike

3.1.2 Types of dike height:

the design height DH, which is the height the dike should have after settling down to safely provide the
necessary water depth in the pond. It is obtained by adding the water depth and the freeboard;
the construction height CH, which is the height the dike should have when newly built and before any settlement
takes place. It is equal to the design height plus the settlement height.
You can determine the construction height (CH in m) simply from the design height (DH in m) and the
settlement allowance (SA in percent) as follows:
CH = DH ÷ [(100 - SA) ÷ 100]
Example
If the maximum water depth in a diversion pond of medium size is 1 m and the freeboard* 0.3 m, the design
height of the dike will be DH = 1 m + 0.30 m = 1.30 m. If the settlement allowance is estimated to be 15
percent, the required construction height will be CH = 1.30 m ÷ [(100 - 15) ÷ 100] = 1.30 m ÷ 0.85 = 1.53 m.

WD =Water depth
FB = Freeboard
DH =Design height
SH = Settlement height
CH = Construction height

In barrage ponds with a spillway, the design height of the dike is calculated slightly differently, the freeboard
being added above the maximum level of the water in the discharging spillway.
Note: the water surface in your pond will be horizontal and therefore the top of your dike should also be
horizontal, from the deepest point of the pond to its shallowest point.

3.1.3 Determining dike thickness

A dike rests on its base. It should taper upward to the dike top, also called the crest or crown. The thickness of
the dike thus depends on:
 the width of the crest; and
 the slope of its two sides.

This, together with the height of the dike, will determine the width of the dike base.
Determine the width of the crest according to the water depth and the role the dike will play for transit and/or
transport. It should be at least equal to the water depth, but not less than 0.60 m in clayey soil or 1 m in
somewhat sandy soil. It should be even wider as the amount of sand in the soil increases. It should be
safe for the transport you plan to use over it:
 at least 3 m for motor vehicles;
 for larger vehicles at least the wheel base plus 0.50 m on each side.

Example
In a dike with side slope 2:1, for each 1 m of height, the base width increases on each side by 2 x 1 m = 2 m.
The side slopes of each dike should be determined bearing in mind that:
 the steeper the slope, the more easily it can be damaged;
 as the soil becomes more sandy, its strength decreases, and slopes should be more gentle;
 as the size of the pond increases, the size of the waves increases and erosion becomes stronger;
 as the slope ratio increases, the volume of earthwork increases, and the overall land area required or the
ponds increases;
 a higher slope ratio makes it easier when using a bulldozer to build the dikes.

3.1.4 Compacting earthen dikes

When earth is disturbed, for example when it is excavated in preparation for using it to construct dikes, it
normally becomes looser, more permeable and less stable. Its volume expands, which is known as bulking.
When disturbed earth is compacted, for example during dike construction, its volume decreases. Later, as the
soil settles, the volume is further reduced.
Therefore several different but related measurements of earth volumes can be defined:
 the undisturbed volume, which is the volume of the soil at the site before excavation;
 the expanded volume, which is the volume of the soil after it has been dug out, typically 5 to 25 percent
more than the undisturbed volume
 the construction volume, which is the volume of the soil necessary for building the dike, for example
before any compaction or settlement. It is about the same as the expanded volume;
 the design volume, which is the intended volume of the dike after it has been compacted and it has
fully settled. Typically, it is 10 to 25 percent less than the construction volume.

3.1.5 Determining the potential for compaction

You can estimate the bulking of any earth material and determine its potential for compaction by measuring out
a known volume of material on the site to be excavated, digging down to the intended excavation depth if
possible. You can then either measure the earth volume (for example with buckets, boxes, etc.) or fill the earth
back into the test hole and measure the surplus. You should then be able to compact at least 80 percent of this
surplus back into the hole by ramming or stamping the soil.
Example
Using a 0.30 x 1 m trench, dig to a 1 m depth. The original earth volume = 0.30 m3 .
The earth is filled back, leaving a surplus of 0.06 m3 or 60 l.
(a) Estimate bulking
expanded volume = 0.30 m3 + 0.06 m3 = 0.36 m3
bulking (in percent) is obtained as: [(expanded volume - undisturbed volume) ÷ undisturbed volume] x 100
= [(0.36 m3 - 0.30 m3) ÷ 0.30 m3] x 100
= (0.06 m3 - 0.30 m3) x 100 = 20 percent.
(b) You should expect to be able to compact at least 80 percent of the surplus (the difference between the
expanded volume and the original undisturbed volume): 0.06 m3 x 0.80 = 0.05 m3 . The compaction potential is
calculated as: (0.05 m3÷ expanded volume) x 100 = (0.05 m3÷ 0.36 m3) x 100 = 13.9 percent of the expanded
volume.
Compacting for best results
To compact successfully, air and water are expelled from the soil so that its mineral particles can settle very
tightly together. For best results, you therefore should always:
 place and compact the soil in thin horizontal layers about 15 to 20 cm thick, so air and water can be
expelled easily;
 wet the soil material to its optimum moisture content for compaction ;
 finish off the slopes of the completed dike to form a well-compacted surface.
3.1.6 Preparing the foundations of the dike
After clearing the site, removing the surface soil and marking out the position of the dike, the foundations of the
dike should be prepared. This may include:
 treating the surface of the foundations;
 excavating and backfilling the cut-off trench;
 Excavating and backfilling an existing stream channel.

Treating the surface of the foundations

 The surface of the dike's foundations needs to be well compacted, so that the dike can be solidly
attached without any risk of it sliding away.
 Break the ground surface thoroughly and turn it to a depth of about 15 cm. (You could use a plough or
a hoe.)
 Fill all holes in the foundation area with suitable soil. Use thin layers, wet them if necessary, and
compact well.

3.1.7 Calculating dike and excavation volumes

Before starting the construction of your pond, you should calculate how much soil you will need to build its
dikes. Then, you will need to estimate the excavation volume necessary to provide such soil volume. According
to the topography of the construction site and the type of pond to be built, you should select the best method to
be used. You should estimate expanded and compacted volumes and you should also use standard settlement
allowances.
Multiply excavation volume by the expansion factor to obtain the expanded volume. This expanded volume is
then used in the construction volume of the dike. After compaction and settlement, as estimated by the
compaction potential, it should reach the design volume required.

3.1.8 Calculating the width of the dike base

Having determined the characteristics of your dikes, determine the width of the dike base (in m) by adding:
 crest width (in m);
 construction height (CH in m) multiplied by slope ratio of dry side (SD);
 construction height (CH in m) multiplied by slope ratio of wet side (SW).

Base width = crest width + (CH x SD) + (CH x SW)

Example
A 0.04-ha pond (400 m2) has to be built in clayey soil with dikes 1.50 m high and 1 m wide at the top, according
to the design. If SD = 1.5:1 and SW = 2:1, calculate the base width of the dikes.
 Estimate the settlement allowance of the expanded clay volume (20 percent for medium clay soils).
 Consider the design height = (100% - 20%) = 80 percent of construction height.
 Obtain the construction height = 1.50 m ÷ 0.80 = 1.88 m.
 Calculate dike base width = 1 m + (1.88 m x 1.5) + (1.88 m x 2) = 1 m + 2.82 m + 3.76 m = 7.58 m.

3.1.9 Calculating the cross-section of a dike on horizontal ground

The size of the cross-section of a dike on horizontal ground (ABCD in m2) (see diagram) is obtained by adding:
 area ABFE (in m2) = crest width (AB) x construction height (CH);
 area AED (in m2) = ED x (AE ÷ 2)= (SD x CH) x (CH ÷ 2);
 area BFC (in m2) = FC x (BF ÷ 2)= (SW x CH) x (CH ÷ 2).
 CH = the construction height of the dike;
SD = the slope ratio of the dry side;
SW = the slope ratio of the wet side.

Example

For the above 0.04-ha pond to be built in clayey soil, calculate the size of the cross-section of the dike as:
• area 1 = 1 m x 1.88 m = 1.88 m2;
• area 2 = (1.5 x 1.88 m) x (1.88 m ÷ 2) = 2.6508 m2;
• area 3 = (2 x 1.88 m) x (1.88 m ÷ 2) = 3.5344 rn2
• cross-section = 1.88 m2 + 2.6508 m2 + 3.5344 m2 = 8.0652 m2.

Calculating the volume of dikes on horizontal and regular ground

To estimate how much soil will be needed for the construction of a dike, you need to know its volume. The
calculation method depends on the site topography and on the type of pond to be built. If the topography of the
construction site is reasonably flat (less than 0.30 m difference in average site levels) and regular, you can
calculate the volume of the dike (in m 3) by multiplying the cross-section of the dike(in m 2 and halfway along the
dike for an average area) by its length measured along the centre line (in m).

Example

Assume the cross-section of the dike = 8.0652 m 2. If the length of the dike to be built is 20 m x 4 = 80 m, its
volume is 8.0652 m2 x 80 m = 653.216 m3.

Calculating the volume of dikes on sloping or irregular ground

If the topography of the site is more steeply sloping or more irregular, you cannot calculate the volume of the
pond dikes just by using one cross-section. There are several possible methods, depending on the type of ground
and the accuracy you require. With a first group of methods you can calculate the dike volumes by using
averages of the dike cross-sections or you could use the average of the cross-sections at the corners of the dike.

Example

A 400-m2 (20 x 20 m) pond is to be constructed with wall heights of 0.5 m at corner A, 0.3 m at corner B, 1.1 m
at corner C and 1.5 m at corner D. Crest width is 1 m and side slope 2:1 on both sides. The cross-section areas at
each corner are:

A: (1 m x 0.5 m) + 2 x (0.5 m x 0.5 m x 1 m) = 1.5 m2,

B: (1 m x 0.3 m) + 2 x (0.5 m x 0.3 m x 0.6 m) = 0.48 m2,
C: (I m x 1. 1 m) + 2 x (0. 5 m x 1. 1 m x 2.2 m) = 3.52 m2,
D: (1 m x 1.5 m) + 2 x (0.5 m x 1.5 m x 3 m) = 6.0 m2.

Average area for wall AB = (1.5 m2 + 0.48 m2) ÷ 2 = 0.99 m2 and volume for wall
AB = 0.99 m2 x 20 m = 19.8 m3.

Calculating the volume of a dam for a barrage pond

If you have to calculate the volume of the dam to be built for a barrage pond, one of the above methods can be
applied. However, because of the presence of the stream channel and numerous changes of ground slopes, it is
usually necessary for precise estimates either to measure cross-sections at small d intervals or to subdivide the
dam into sections using different d intervals.

You will need to know excavation volumes for:

 topsoil;
 borrow pits, dug near an earth structure to provide the material for its construction;
 excavated ponds, to provide the pond volume required;
 other structures such as harvest pits, supply channels, etc.

You will normally have to remove the topsoil before you reach soil good for construction material. Levels
should therefore be taken from the base of the topsoil layer. In most cases, the sides of the excavation should be
sloped to prevent them from collapsing. In many cases (ponds, channels, etc.) these will be of specified
gradients.

For reasonably flat, level surfaces, where excavated width is at least 30 times the depth, volume of excavation
can be estimated as:
V = top area x depth of excavation.

Where the width is less than 30 times the depth, you should correct for side slopes as follows:
V = [(top area + bottom area) ÷ 2] x depth.

Example

A 400 m2 (40 x 10 m) area is to be excavated, 1 m deep, with side slopes 2:1. As the width (10 m) is less than
30 times the depth (30 x 1 m), the first method is not accurate (estimated volume would be 400 m2 x 1 m = 400
m3).
Use the second method, where
top area = 400 m2 and base area=base length x base width.
Base length = 40 - (2 x slope x depth) = 40 - (2 x 2 x 1 m) = 36 m
Base width = 10 - (2 x slope x depth)= 10 - (2 x 2 x 1 m) = 6 m
Base area = 36 m x 6 m = 216 m2
Average area = (400 m2 + 216 m2)÷ 2 = 308 m2
Volume therefore = 308 m2 x 1 m= 308 m3.

On gently sloping ground, calculate the cross-section at each end of the excavation. Then:
 Calculate the average cross-section of the excavation.
 Multiply by the average length of the excavation.

Example

If the area is on a gentle slope, calculate cross-sections at AB and CD, and average length.

(a) Cross-section at AB can be determined by drawing out on squared paper, or estimated by:
[(AB + A'B') ÷ 2] x average depth, or
[(10 + 7) ÷ 2] x [(1 + 0.5) ÷ 2] = 8.5 m x 0.75 m = 6.375 m2.

(b) Cross-section at CD, similarly

= [(10 + 3) ÷ 2] x [(2 + 1.5) ÷ 2] = 6.5 m x 1.75 m = 11.375 m2.

(c) Average length can be determined at the midpoint.

Average length = (top length EF + bottom length E'F') ÷ 2 = (40 m + 35 m) ÷ 2 = 37.5 m.

(d) Thus volume = average area x average length =

[(6.375 m2 + 11.375 m2) ÷ 2] x 37.5 m = 332.8 m3.

On more steeply sloping ground (steeper than 10 percent in any direction), you can use the same method as
above; however, the lengths of the base and the corresponding cross-sections, as calculated in the previous
method, will not be sufficiently accurate. To obtain a reasonable estimate proceed in the following way.

Use squared paper and obtain the base length by measurement. Then use this base length in the calculations, as
shown earlier.

For best accuracy, calculate cross-section ABCD

= area ADC + area ABC = [(FC x AF) ÷ 2] + [(EC x AB) ÷ 2]

3.2 Constructing dug-out ponds

Dug-out ponds, entirely obtained through soil excavation, are the simplest to build. There are two main types of
dug-out pond depending on the water supply
 dug-out ponds fed by rain and surface runoff, commonly found in relatively flat, well-drained terrain
such as the low point of a natural depression;

 dug-out ponds fed by springs or seepage, the latter being commonly found in areas where the ground
water table is close to the surface, either permanently or seasonally.

3.2.1 Selecting soil for dug-out ponds

To build a rain-fed dug-out pond, it is essential to have enough impervious soil at the site to avoid excess
seepage losses. The best sites are those where fine-textured clays and silty clays extend well below the proposed
pond depth. Sandy clays extending to adequate depths are satisfactory. Avoid sites with porous soils, either at
the surface or at the depths through which the pond would be cut.
To build a seepage dug-out pond, look for soils where the waterbearing layer is thick enough and permeable
enough to provide the required water. It is best to observe the site during a complete annual cycle to check on
the possible variations of the water table elevation with the season.

3.2.2 Building a dug-out pond

Begin building the dug-out pond by preparing the site as follows.
(a) Mark the area to be cleared using stakes. This should include the total area of the pond to the outside limits
of the pond dikes and, in addition, an area of two to three meters to serve as a work space and for walkways
beyond the dikes.
(b) Clear all vegetation from the marked area. Also remove all shrubs and trees within 10 meters of the cleared
area.
(c) Next, at the very centre of the cleared area, mark the pond area to the outside limits of the pond dikes using
heavy string or cord. Remove the surface soil from this area and store it for later use.
(d) Now mark the inside limits of the pond bottom using heavy string or cord. Do this on the basis of the
selected side slopes.
(e) When staking out the pond bottom, indicate on each stake the depth of excavation from ground surface to
pond bottom.
(f) There are two easy ways to dispose of waste soil material and to prevent it from tumbling or eroding back
into the dug-out pond:
(g) Clearly mark the limits of the areas where the excavated material will be spread or piled.
(h) Dig to the designed depth within the limits of the pond, cutting the sides vertically. Transport the waste soil
to the planned areas.
(i) Shape the sides of the pond to the desired slope and finish the pond bottom and the horizontal dike tops.
Remove any excess soil.
(j) Bring back the surface soil to cover the waste material and the dike tops. Then plant or sow grass all around
the pond to prevent erosion.

3.3 Constructing barrage ponds

Barrage ponds are embankment ponds formed by a dam, which is built across a narrow valley to impound water
behind it.

As the height of the dam increases, the need for sound foundations becomes essential. The best foundations
consist of a thick layer of relatively impermeable consolidated clay or sandy clay, at shallow depth. Never build
a dam over rock or sand. Whenever in doubt, ask for advice.

3.3.1 Obtaining the soil material for construction

You can calculate the volume of material required using one of the methods described earlier
In order to reduce the distance the soil needs to be transported, try to dig the soil necessary for the construction
of the dam from an area close by, for example:
from the edges of the valley;
from inside the pond.
An area from which soil is taken is called a borrow pit. Be careful to keep the limit of any borrow pit at least 10
m from the wet toeline of the dam. Plan the drainage of this area to be included within the barrage pond, for
example using a trench toward the water outlet.

Staking out the base of the dam and setting out the earthwork

Clearly mark the centre line of the dam at ground level with tall stakes and a line. It is usually perpendicular to
the main axis of the stream in the valley to be flooded. Calculate distances from the centre line to the two
toelines on a series of perpendiculars set out at regular intervals as:

(dam crest width ÷ 2) + (dam construction height x slope ratio).

3.3.2 Preparing for the construction of the dam

Divert the stream to a site as close as possible to one of the valley sides and well away from the original stream
bed. This task will be much easier if you have scheduled the construction work to coincide with the dry season.

To prepare the foundation of the dam, clear the base area, remove the surface soil and treat the surface of the
foundations, giving particular attention to the old stream channel and to the sides of the valley, according to the
quality of the foundations' soil.

If the soil is impermeable, dig an anchoring trench (about 1 m wide and 0.4 m deep) along the centre line of the
dike base to anchor the dike to its foundations. Refill this trench with good clayey soil and compact it well.
Extend the trench sideways, well into the sides of the valley;

If the soil is permeable, build a cut-off trench (at least 1.5 m wide) along the centre line of the dam which will
also assist in anchoring the dam to its foundations. Extend the trench sideways, well into the sides of the valley

Build the water outlet structure(s), as necessary. Preferably, place it (or them) out of the stream bed, at a point to
be dug lower than the lowest point in the pond.
Clearly mark the construction height of the dam and the crest width with stakes and lines, on the basis of
planned dam characteristics. Maximum height is at the lowest point of the valley. Check the limits of the future
pond upstream.

Set out the dam earthwork using templates at intervals of 25 m or less and clearly showing the slopes of the
sides. You can also use strings. If you use machinery, it is best to establish an auxiliary base line outside the
radius of operation of the machinery, based on topographical survey bench-marks.

3.3.3 Building the first part of the dam

Start building the dam by laying out successive horizontal layers 15 to 25 cm thick. Work across the entire site,
from one side of the valley to the new stream channel, and from the wet to the dry side of the dam. Wet the soil
if necessary and compact each layer well.

According to the availability of clayey soil, you will use either homogeneous soil layers as wide as the dam or
heterogeneous soil layers, each kind of soil covering only part of the dike width.

Clearly mark the limits to be followed with stakes and lines.

 If there is enough good soil from which to build the entire dam, proceed by placing layers to cover the
full base width.
 If the supply of good soil is limited, use it only to build a central core with the following
characteristics:
o width: about one-third of the width of the dike;
o side slopes: at least a ratio of 1.5:1;
o height: water depth plus 20 cm.

 If you have to use various types of soil to build the dam, use the most impermeable material as a central
core. Place the most permeable material on the dry side of the dam. Place the intermediate quality
material on the wet side of the dam. Adjust each side slope to the particular kind of material used.

 If you do have relatively permeable materials on the dry side of the dam, it is useful to place larger
grades (such as medium to coarse gravel or small rocks) at the dry toeline. This acts as a filter and
prevents seepage water from washing out the finer dike material.

To build up the dam, you can use hand labour or machinery. If you use machinery such as a bulldozer for
pushing, spreading and compacting the soil material, you could proceed in the following way.
(a) Build up the first part of the dam to about 1 m above the level of the foundations, progressing layer
by layer.
(b) Determine and stake out the centre line of the water outlet structure, perpendicular to the centre line
of the dam.

(c) Mark a parallel line on each side of this outlet centre line at a distance of about 0.5 m.
(d) Dig a trench about 1 m wide, down to the planned elevation for the water outlet pipes.
Build the water outlet structure, being careful to make proper reinforcements around the areas where
the water flows in and out of the structure.
(f) Refill the trench and compact it well, rebuilding the dam section as it was before. Pay particular
attention to the central core if you have built one. Check carefully the quality of compaction around the
water pipes. If possible use antiseepage collars.
(g) Proceed with the building of the dam as before. The water pipes are now well protected by 1 m of
earth, and they will not collapse under the weight of the bulldozer.

When you reach the planned construction height for the dam, carefully begin to form the two side slopes. Use
slope gauges to assist you in cutting each slope at its planned [Link] the first part of the dam is completed,
let the stream run back into its old channel and through the water outlet structure.
3.3.4. Finishing the barrage pond

Repeat the previous operations for the second part of the dam in the area where the stream was diverted
temporarily, but first fill the bed of the diversion ditch within the pond area.
(a) Prepare good foundations, extending them sideways well into the side of the valley. Be particularly careful to
make a good foundation in the bed of the stream diversion.
(b) Set out the dam earthwork properly.
(c) Build up the second part of the dam, being particularly careful to connect it strongly to the first part of the
dam and well into the side of the valley.
(d) Form the two side slopes.

Work on the bottom of the pond to make sure the pond is completely drainable.

(a) Tidy up and shape the course of the old stream bed.
(b) Build a regular slope toward the water outlet and dig bottom drainers (see Section 6.10).
(c) If there are depressions, dig a draining trench toward a lower part of the pond bottom. This is important if
you have borrowed the soil from within the pond area.
(d) If necessary, fill any undrainable depressions.

3.4 Constructing paddy ponds

Paddy ponds are embankment ponds built over flat ground. They have four dikes of approximately equal height.
The size of the dikes, and thus the volume of earthwork, is usually limited to the minimum because of the need
to import the soil material or to find it near the site.
In some cases earth to build paddy ponds can be taken from areas next to the dikes, either inside or outside the
pond, thus reducing construction costs. Trenches for dike material should not be cut with side slopes steeper
than the dike itself.

3.4.1 Staking out the base of the dikes

Clearly mark the centre line of each of the four dikes; the shape of the pond is usually either square (minimum
earthwork) or rectangular, and the four centre lines will meet at right angles .
On each of the centre line stakes, indicate the level corresponding to the construction height CH of the dike to be
built. According to the characteristics of your dikes, calculate the width at each part of the dike base on either
side of the centre line, as equal to:
(crest width ÷ 2) + (CH x side slope)
Example
If the crest width of dikes = 1 m, construction height = 1.20 m, wet side slope = 2:1 and dry side slope = 1.5:1,
then at corner A distances AG and AH = (1 m ÷ 2) + (1.2 m x 2) = 0.5 m + 2.40 m = 2.90 m; distances AE and
AF = (1 m÷ 2) + (1.2 m x 1.5) = 0.5 m + 1.80 m = 2.30 m; and similarly all around the pond area for the other
corners B, C and D.
Stake out the inside and outside limits of the dike base by measuring these distances on perpendicular lines
along the centre lines of the dikes and by setting out straight lines between these new points. In this way the
base of each dike is clearly marked on the ground,
3.4.2 Preparing for the construction of the dikes
When the inner and outer limits of the pond have been staked, clear any remaining vegetation from the area.
Remove the surface soil only from the area of the dike bases, as staked out above, and store it close by
Treat the surface of the foundations of the dikes
According to local soil quality, build either an anchoring trench or a cut-off trench along the centre lines of the
dikes.
Build the water control structures, as necessary. Place the outlet entrance at an elevation low enough to ensure
complete drainage of the pond along the sloping bottom.

3.4.3 Building the dikes of a paddy pond manually

There are several ways to build the dikes of a paddy pond. To construct them manually, you can use templates
as for the barrage pond, although here only one template size is required.
Another way to build the dikes of a paddy pond is given here.
(a) Lay out a line to join and clearly mark the stakes setting out the inside limits of the dike's base.
Attach this line at a height of about 0.20 m above the level of the surface of the dike's foundations.
(b) Similarly lay out a line at the same level, joining the stakes setting out the outside limits of the
dike's base.
(c) Build the first layer of the four dikes 0.20 m high, bringing in good soil, placing it between the two
strings all around the pond area, spreading it well, wetting and mixing it if necessary and tamping it
thoroughly, especially around the outlet structure.
(d) For each dike, move the inside limits of the dike base (stakes and lines) toward the centre line of the
dike by a distance equal to 0.20 m x side slope; similarly, move the outside limits by a distance equal to
0.20 m x dry slope.
(e) Raise all the lines 0.20 m higher.
(f) Build the second layer of the four dikes 0.20 m high between these new limits, as you did for the
first layer.
(g) For each dike, move the inside and outside limits toward the centre line by the same distances as
previously.
(h) Raise all the lines 0.20 m higher again.
(i) Build the next layer of the four dikes 0.20 m high between these new limits.
Repeat these last three steps until you reach the level of the top of the dikes as indicated on the centre line
stakes. It may be that the last soil layer is less than 0.20 m thick, in which case adjust the level of the lines with
the level of the top of the dike.
 On the top of each dike, set out the planned dike crest width, measuring half of its value on either side
of the centre line and marking the limits with wooden pegs and lines.
 Starting from the top of the dike, obliquely cut the end of each soil layer on the wet side of the dikes
following a slope that joins the limit of the dike crest to the bottom limit of the layers, until reaching
the
 Repeat this cutting on the dry side of the dikes.
 Transport the soil removed, as necessary.
 Remove all stakes and lines.
 Bring back some of the surface soil on the top of the dikes and on the dry sides.
 Seed or plant grass to control erosion
 Cover top and dry sides of with surface soil
 Seed or plant grass on top of dike and on both sides to the water's edge

3.4.4 Building bottom slopes and drains for paddy ponds

The bottom of the pond now has to be finished; which is done using a levelling survey. For smaller ponds, give
the bottom of the pond a gentle slope (0.5 to 1 percent) from the water inlet to the water outlet to ensure easy
and complete drainage of the pond.
I = Inlet O = Outlet
For larger ponds it is best to ensure complete drainage through a network of shallow drains each with a slope of
0.2 percent (see Section 6.10), rather than trying to build a slope over the entire pond area.
For ponds where internal trenches have been dug to provide material for dikes, these trenches should be
connected together and shaped so as to drain toward the water outlet.
3.4.5 Building the dikes of a paddy pond using machinery

When using machinery to build the dikes, a method similar to the one for barrage ponds can be used (see
Section 6.5), except that four dikes are progressively built up instead of only one.
It is best to establish an auxiliary base line with temporary bench-marks from which to set out the earthwork.
This base line should be established outside the operation radius of the machinery.
If the water outlet structure is built first, all pipes should be protected by a layer of earth at least 0.60 m thick to
keep it from collapsing under the weight of the machinery.

3.4.6 Building a series of adjoining paddy ponds

When building a series of adjoining paddy ponds, remember that only the dikes forming the perimeter of the
pond series should be built with the characteristics of wet/dry dikes. The intermediate dikes, which are wet on
both sides, can usually be built less strongly, even without a central core if necessary.
First stake out the centre line of a series of perimeter dikes, for example XY for dikes ACDB. Then stake out the
centre lines of the opposite perimeter dikes EGHF and the perimeter or intermediate dikes AE, CG, DH and BF.
Build the dikes either manually or mechanically
3.5 Protecting dikes against erosion by rain

Newly built dikes should be protected against erosion by planting or seeding a grass cover on the crest of the
dikes, on their dry side and on their wet side down to the normal water level of the pond.
To form a grass cover with the minimum of delay, proceed as follows:
 Spread a 10- to 15-cm layer of topsoil over the area to be planted. This topsoil is either brought back to
the pond area from which it was earlier removed or is obtained from a nearby source.
 If possible, mix in some compound chemical fertilizer, for example a 13-13-13 mixture (NPK)1, at the
rate of 50 to 100 g per m2 surface area or 400-800 g per m3 of topsoil.
 Plant either cuttings or pieces of turf of the selected grass, at relatively short intervals.
 Water well immediately after planting and afterwards at regular intervals.
 After the sod is formed, cut it short regularly to encourage it to spread all over the area. If possible,
apply about 0.1 g of actual nitrogen per m2 to accelerate the spreading.

3.5.1 Preparing dikes for planting or seeding grass

 If the weather is dry, you should plan for regular watering of the newly planted grass. Use mulching to
reduce soil evaporation.
 When it rains heavily, use temporary protection, such as hay or other suitable materials, to avoid severe
erosion of the dikes until a grass cover is formed.
 Never plant large trees on or near dikes because their roots would weaken the dikes. In some areas,
vegetable crops and forage bushes can be grown, but care should be taken to select plants with a good
ground cover and with roots that do not weaken the dike by penetrating too deeply or disturbing the
soil.
 Care should be taken to keep the dikes in good condition, and only small animals should be allowed to
graze or browse on them.

3.5.2 Selecting the grass cover

The best protection is obtained from perennial grasses (Gramineae) with the following characteristics:
 fast spread into a dense cover, through creeping, rooting stems (stolons) or underground rhizomes;
 well adapted to local climate, particularly if seasonally dry;
 easy to propagate vegetatively, for example by transplanting stolons or rhizomes.

3.6 Pond-bottom drains

Pond-bottom drains are ditches that are dug on the bottom of the pond to help the water flow out and to direct
the fish toward the pond outlet when harvesting. You do not always need bottom drains for your pond, for
example in small ponds with a sloping bottom. However, it is better to build bottom drains:
 when the bottom slope is insufficient;
 in large ponds more than 75 m long;
 in barrage ponds with an uneven bottom relief
Learning Activities

 Practical: Determination of dike height and construction of dugout pond: To be done at the
Department’s Fish farm.
 Field Visit: Visit one of the fish farmers construction a fish pond (central regions of Malawi)

3.7 Summary of Topic

Pond dike should have three basic qualities i.e. be able to resist the water pressure resulting from the pond water
depth, be impervious, the water seepage through the dike being kept to a minimum and It should be high enough
to keep the pond water from ever running over its top, which would rapidly destroy the dike.
Therefore the pond dike requires being of the right height. Determination of the pond dike takes into account the
depth of the water you want in the pond and the freeboard, which is the upper part of a dike and should never be
under water. A dike rests on its base and this should taper upward to the dike top, also called the crest or crown.
The thickness of the dike thus depends on the width of the crest and the slope of its two sides.
This topic covered three main types of ponds ie dug out pond, barrage ponds and paddy ponds. Dug-out ponds
are those that are obtained through soil excavation and are the simplest to build. Barrage ponds are embankment
ponds formed by a dam, which is built across a narrow valley to impound water behind it. Paddy ponds are
embankment ponds built over flat ground. They have four dikes of approximately equal height. The size of the
dikes, and thus the volume of earthwork, is usually limited to the minimum because of the need to import the
soil material or to find it near the site.
Newly built dikes should be protected against erosion by planting or seeding a grass cover on the crest of the
dikes, on their dry side and on their wet side down to the normal water level of the pond.

Further Reading Materials

Pillay, T.V.R., 1979, The state of aquaculture. In Advances in aquaculture, edited by T.V.R. Pillay and W.A.
Dill. Farnham, Surrey, Fishing News Books Ltd
Wheaton, F.W., 1977. Aquaculture Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, New York.

Useful Links
[Link] 6. principles of designing inland fish farms
Topic 4: Water supply for aquaculture

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the topic, students should be able to

 Determine suitable water sources
 Describe control of water losses by seepage and evaporation
 Estimate the quantities of water available
 Estimate total water requirements for a fish farm

Introduction

The estimation of the quantity of water required in a farm and the ways and means to meet the needs are the
essential factors to be considered in the choice of a site.

In the feasibility study one must take into account the requisite quality of water needed to fill the ponds and also
the losses encountered in the ponds and during the transportation of the water from the supply to the ponds.
These losses are due to seepage and evaporation. One must also take into account the requirement of water for
filling the ponds initially, for refilling and partial replacement of water as needed and also the frequency of
draining off.

The sources of water for the farm can be - a river or a stream, a lake or a dam, or rain water collected in wells
and ponds. It could also be pumped up water from underground sources. In any of the cases, one has to estimate
the quantities of water available and compare them to the needs. This estimation has to take into account the
eventual fluctuations due to the change of season. Then, the methods of bringing the water from the supply
source to the ponds and other infrastructures have to be determined. This implies, on one hand, that one must
determine if the level of the supply source is higher or lower than the level of the fish farm and this will
determine if the water can be brought to the fish farm by gravity or by using a pump. On the other hand one
must choose the means of transporting the water either by open channel, by covered channel or by pipes.

4.1 Properties of water

Water quality in land-based aquaculture

The quality of inflowing water (into the ponds) should be of very good quality to support optimal growth of fish.
High fish production densities in ponds will increase requirements for such optimal water quality, because the
quality of water will degenerate as it flows through the production unit. On land-based fish farms with possible
control of both the inlet and outlet, the treatment of water to improve its quality will be much easier to perform.

Water quality requirements depend on species and ontogenetic stages. Early life stages normally have the
highest requirements for optimal water quality. Optimal water temperature also depends on species. So, general
advice may be impossible.

Cold water fishes cannot be reared in tropical waters at high temperature. Marine fishes cannot be raised directly
in seawater without acclimatization. Freshwater fishes should best be raised in freshwater. Different fish species
would naturally require various ranges of water quality variables.

In cages are used in the sea for aquaculture, it will be difficult to improve the quality of that water by treating it,
considering its volume, although oxygenation of water in cage culture has been started.

Water Temperature

Selection of species for culture depends on water temperature i.e. tropical fish species and temperate fish
species. In hatcheries and recirculation aquaculture systems, however, the temperature can be controlled;
however it does increases production costs.

Salinity
Variations in salinity are one of the environmental factors to be taken into consideration. Some species have
wide tolerance limits and it has been noted that some fresh water fish grow faster in slightly saline water and
some brackish-water than in fresh water. Growth and reproduction is affected by salinity. For example
Cyprinus carpio can grow well in salinities up to 5 ppt, but at 11.5 ppt the salinity becomes lethal.

Turbidity

Turbidity is caused by suspended solids and affects productivity and fish life. Turbidity decreases light
penetration into the water and thus reduce primary production which impacts on secondary production. In some
cases, oxygen deficiency has been reported as a result of sudden increase in turbidity.

The suspended solids can clog filter feeding apparatus and digestive organs of planktonic organisms. The gills
of fish may be injured by turbid water. Turbidity is recommended to be less than 4% by volume.

Acidity and Alkalinity

The most suitable pH of water for aquaculture farms is considered to lie in the range 6.7-8.6 and values above or
below this inhibit growth and production. The most common method of correcting low pH is by liming to
neutralize the acidity. The dose will depend on the pH value and the chemical composition of the water
especially concentration of calcium bicarbonate. It will also depend on the type of lime used. High pH,
indicating excessive alkalinity can also be harmful.

4.2 Water Quantity

Water for aquaculture should be adequate and reliable throughout the year. Quantity of water is a very important
factor when selecting sites for aquaculture. At the end of the grow-out period, fishes are harvested and sold.
Preparation of fish ponds for another fish production cycle will depend on availability of water. Water supply
should not be limiting in intensive aquaculture production technology.

Basic water budget equation

The water budget equation for a fish pond is prepared with the help of the hydrologic equation. This equation
states that inflows equal outflows plus or minus change in storage.

Water budget for a pond = P+I+RO=(S+E)+∆V

Where: P =precipitation
I =inflow from well, stream or reservoir
RO =runoff
S =seepage
E =pond evaporation
∆V =change in storage volume
The variables are expressed in volume or depth, usually depth.

Quantity depends on:

 Type of aquaculture system
 Species cultured
 Culture densities
 Skill of the culturist.

Water supply must satisfy the following functions:

 evaporative losses
 seepage losses
 oxygen depletion
 waste disposal

Water may also be used for the following:

1) Fire protection
 2) Livestock watering
3) Facility cleaning
4) Irrigating crops
5) Residential uses.
The water budget should also be sufficient for future plans.

4.2.1 Water supply requirements

The requirements of water for a fish farm depend on the area of the ponds, their average depth and the frequency
of draining and refilling and also the losses dues to seepage and evaporation.

Water requirement for a fish farm can be estimated according to the formula (Kovari, 1984):

QR = Annual requirement of water in m3 or l/see

VF = A × h = volume of the ponds to be filled (m3)

A = Average area under water of the ponds (m2)

h = Average depth of the ponds (m)

VRf = No × VF = volume of water to be replaced (m3)

No = Number of filling per annum.

Le = A × E = Loss by evaporation (m3)

E = Average evaporation per annum (m)

Ls = A × T × S = losses by seepage (m3)

S = Coefficient of seepage (m/d)

Le = Ac × 1,2 × E = losses encountered during transportation in the earthen channel (m 3)

Ac = Area under water of the supply channel (m2)

VRa = Aeff × Ra = Rain water (m3)

Aeff = Total area of the ponds plus partial area of the dikes affected by the rain (m 3)

Ra = Average rain fall per annum

T = Number of working days in the farm.

The volume of water in the pond is obtained by multiplying the area of the pond by the average depth. By
adding the volume of water in each of the ponds the total volume of water required is obtained. For the
feasibility study, specific size of the total water area in the farm also should be established. The losses in water
by seepage are through earthen dikes and channel and through the pond bottom. The losses through the pond
bed depend essentially on the nature of the soil (structure, porosity, permeability and moisture content) the
hydraulic gradient and of the depth of the underground water. An acceptable soil of the pond bottom should
have a permeability coefficient less than 5.10-6 m/s.

The seepage through the dikes can be estimated if the following factors are known: the coefficient of
permeability of the dike (recommended to be less than 1.10 -4 m/s); the effective level of water in the pond; the
width of the dike; the nature of the soil on which the dike is built. (permeable soil or impermeable). When the
soil used for the construction of the dike is of homogenous material, the percentage of seepage will be calculated
with Casagrande's formula:

1) When the dike is built on a permeable soil.

where q = the percentage of seepage by cm of length of the dike (cm2/h).

K = the coefficient of permeability of the dike (cm/h)

K1 = the coefficient of permeability of the soil on which the dike is built.

h = hight of the level of water, in cm

w = effective width of the dike in cm.

When calculated from the level of water in the pond:

w = L - 0,7C

where L = width of the dike at the bottom

c = h x a.

h = height of water in the pond.

a = slope of the dike, e.g. 1:2, where a is the second number.

II) When the soil is impermeable, the Casagrande formula becomes

In the same manner, a quantity of water is lost through the supply in earthen channels of the farm. A percentage
of seepage of 1 to 2 cm/day is acceptable. If it exceeds this rate some measures to stop the excessive seepage
should be taken.

The losses through evaporation depend on the climate of the region and in particular of the temperature, sun
light, humidity of the wind and of the area of water exposed.

The determination of the losses by evaporation can be estimated by the percentage of evaporation recorded in
any meteorological station with the help of the class A Pan- or with the Penman method. As the evaporation in a
small tank (evaporation tank) is higher than the evaporation in nature, the percentages in the pan are too high
and have to be reduced by a corrective factor. The corrective factor to be applied under tropical conditions is of
0.75. The value of evaporation obtained are then multiplied by 0.75 and by the area under water in view to get
the total volume of water evaporated. Usually in the tropics, the figures of evaporation estimated are around 2.5
cm/day.

The quantity of rain water added to the ponds is calculated from the volume of rain water collected in a rain-
gange multiplied by the area of the ponds and a part of the area of the dikes (about half). But one must be
careful in the calculation of the area of the dikes because they absorb also a quantity of rain water. Sometimes
the rains are not falling unformly everywhere and the quantity of rain water vary accordingly to each spot in the
farm.

According to Kovari (1984), the need in water supply for a fish farm can be approximatively. This figure allows
for the losses, while still keeping a reasonable margin of safety.

4.2.2 Water supply for raceway and tank culture

This will be estimated from:

1) Water requirements for fish
2) What is known about the available incoming water
3) Effects of fish on the water.

The formula or expression for the flow requirement in a fully mixed flow-through tank is given by Piedrahia
(1991) as follows:

Q = (PRODx-CONSx)/([Link] - [Link]).

Where:
Q = steady-state flow rate based on the limiting concentration of water quality factor X, m3/hr;
PRODx = rate of production or introduction of factor X within the culture unit, g/hr;
CONSx = rate of consumption or removal of factor X from the culture unit, g/hr.
[Link] = concentration of factor X in the incoming water, g/m3;
Cx,out = concentration of factor X in the outgoing water, g/m3).

Where detailed information on physiology of the fish or the processes affecting the concentration of factor X are
unknown, flow requirements can be estimated based on numbers of water exchanges as follows:

Q = RV

Where
Q=flow rate m3/hr
R=number of volume replacements or exchanges /hr
V=volume of culture unit, m3/

When estimating the total water use for the facility, water used for:
 Filter backwashing
 Wash down
 Other water uses should all be included in the total.

4.2.3 Water supply for pond culture

Some fish ponds rely on rainfall for filling. A commercial aquaculture pond cannot use this method of water
supply. Rainfall may not be dependable in certain areas and may fall after a long time. Once a fish pond has
been filled, there must be adequate water supply to replace water lost through seepage and evaporation. Fish
ponds should be filled within a reasonable time period. Two weeks may be adequate to fill ponds for the culture
of some species. Seven days is more desirable but not economical in some operations. If a pond is filled too
slowly, production time will be lost. Weed growth may become a problem.
4.3 Water sources for aquaculture

Water can be obtained from various sources:

1) Ocean
2) Ground (wells and springs)
3) River
4) Lake and
5) Reservoir.

Well water is usually the preferred source for aquaculture purposes if the groundwater is abundant, since it is
free from undesirable fish, eggs, predators and pollutants.

Water from wells can have problems:

 it is expensive
 it needs pumping from a deep source
 its dissolved oxygen content is low
 may also have some pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, chlorinated hydrocarbons etc., which
would kill fish.

If this water has to be used, it must have an adequate yield throughout the year.

An analysis of the physical, chemical and biological properties of the proposed source of water must be
conducted. The quality of that water must support the culture of the desired fish species. The analysis should
include potential health hazards for both humans and the fish to be cultured.

4.4 Water flow and level instrumentation

Flow control means:

1) Having a knowledge of what the water requirements are to individual parts of the system,
2) Being able to adjust flow rates as required.

Instruments used to measure fluid flow are variable: some measure velocity while others measure volumetric
flow.

Classification of flow measurement

1) Direct
2) Indirect methods are used.

Direct flow measurement method: This involves actual measurements of the quantity of flow for a given time
interval. Quantity of flow can be measured by volume or by weight.

Example: collection of water flowing from a tank into a bucket over a specific time interval.

Indirect flow measurement method: This involves measurement of a pressure change related to the rate of flow.

Example: instruments are used to measure pressure changes such as venture meters, nozzle meters etc. Weirs
and flumes indirectly indicate flow rates in open channels.

4.4.1 Measuring flow in pipelines (closed conduits)

There are many devices that are used to measure flow rate in closed conduits.

These are classified as:

1) Rotating mechanical
2) Differential pressure
3) Bypass
 4) Electromagnetic
5) Ultrasonic
6) Variable area flow meters and the
7) Anemometer.

4.4.2 Measuring water level

This is usually done in a head tank or directly in the individual fish tank. Water level sensors are normally
digital. They send a signal if the level of water is below or above defined values.

Different types of electronic floats can be used to control the water level. The float will be on the surface and
change position if the water level varies. This variation can be utilized to control the level. When this happens, a
signal will be sent and action taken by switching the water off or on.

A commonly used float is the level rocking sensor which floats on the surface. If the water level decreases, it
will gradually become more upright. The sensor is located in the end of a cable and when it is in the floating
position, there may or may not be in contact between the two conductors located inside the float.

If the sensor is hanging vertically, an automatic switch will take the opposite position (opened or closed as the
case may be) to make or break the electric circuit. This can then be used to control the water level.

On submerged pumps, this is a common method for starting and stopping the pumping, depending on the water
level. Water level can also be monitored using capacitance sensors. These sensors detect how well a material
keeps its electrical charge compared to air. The sensor registers changes in electrical charges associated with
changes in water level.

Water level can also be controlled very accurately by ultrasound devices. A transmitter and receiver are placed
above the water surface. By transmitting a sound wave and measuring the time of reflection with the receiver, it
is possible to calculate the distance from the transmitter to the water surface and hence the water level. If water
level decreases, the time taken by the sound wave to travel between the transmitter and receiver will increase.

4.4.3 Pond size and water flow required

To begin growing fish as soon as possible, you should have enough water available to fill your pond in a
reasonable length of time. For ponds smaller than 1 500 m3 , eight days is reasonable.
Before you begin to build a pond it will be helpful to compare the number of days needed to fill ponds of
various sizes and the rate of water flow required.

Pond volume and the number of ponds possible will depend on the water flow available. The size and number of
ponds you will be able to build will depend on the water flow available at the time you plan to fill them.

Number of ponds to be built

With the same water flow of 14 l/s, you may decide to build more and smaller ponds than shown above:
 For example, with 14 l/s, you can fill two ponds of 2500 m3 (= 5000 m3) in 4 days;
Or, with 14 l/s, you can fill five ponds of 500 m3 (= 2500 m3 ) in 2 days.

4.5 Water distribution structures

It is important to have good-quality and reliable water source and equipment to transfer water to and within the
farm. Volume of water needed depends on:

1) Farm size
2) Species
3) Production system.

The science of the movement of water is known as hydrodynamics, and important factors are described.
The materials used for water transport include:
 pipes,
 pipe parts (fittings)
 pumps
The common way of transporting water is through pipes. Open channels are also used.

Channels can be used:

 for water transport into the farm
 for distribution inside the farm
 for the removal of water through the outlet.
Channels are normally large, built of either earth or concrete. Water is transported at low velocity.

Advantages of open channels:

1) Simple construction
2) Ease with which water flow can be controlled visually
3) Water can collect oxygen through diffusion from the air

Disadvantages:
1) Requires a constant slope over the total length
2) No pressure
3) Greater exterior size compared to pipes
4) The noise (inside the building) when water is flowing

Plastics

These are thermoplastics. A thermoplastic melts when the temperature gets high enough. Thermoplastic pipes
can be divided into:
1) Weldable (polyethylene; PE)
2) Glueable (polyvinyl chloride: PVC) depending on the way pipes are connected.

The opposite of thermoplastic is hardening plastic such as fiberglass made of different materials that are
hardened. It is not possible to change the shapes of these materials afterwards by heating. Materials used for
making pipes should not be toxic to fish. Copper commonly used inside houses is not recommended for
aquaculture purposes because of its toxicity.

PE pipes are:
1) Of low weight
2) Simple to handle
3) Have high impact resistance
4) Good abrasion resistance
5) But may be vulnerable to water hammer or vacuum effects.

Do not expose PE pipes to low temperatures (0oC) because they will become brittle and snap.

PVC is recommended for high temperatures above 40oC. PVC is also vulnerable to water hammer. When PVC
components are burnt, they give off poisonous gases and there are some questions concerning the use of PVC
material.

Fiberglass may be used in very large pipes (over 1 m diameter). Material is built in two or three layers:

 A layer of polyster that functions like a glue,

 A layer with a fiberglass mat that acts as reinforcement;
 Quartz or sand.

There are several layers of fiberglass and polyster.

Fiberglass:
1) Tolerates low temperature
2) Is very durable
 3) May be constructed so thick that it can tolerate water hammer and vacuum effects.

Disadvantage of fiberglass:
1) there is a low diversity of pipes
2) low diversity of pipe parts available.
Other materials are also used but they are more expensive than PE and PVC.

Valves
Valves are used to regulate water flow rate and the flow direction. Many types of valves are used in aquaculture.
Ball valves are used but they are not precise in regulating water flow.

Open channel flow

Open channels are conduits in which the flowing water has a free surface open to the atmosphere. Pressure is
always zero gauge pressure at the liquid surface, and the energy for moving the water is derived from
gravitational forces.

4.5.1 Bringing water to fish ponds

The design of the inlet depends on the source of water. It is also common to have several water sources in use
on the same fish farm.

Water may be brought to the fish farm:

1) By gravity
2) It may be pumped into the fish farm.

If water has to be pumped, a pumping station is required. Water is transferred in pipes or open channels.

4.5.2 Transportation of water

The transportation of water from the supply to the ponds is through channels or pipes. The channels or gutters
are either dug right into the ground or made in concrete. They are either open or covered channels. The pipes
can be either concrete or in PVC, often PVC pipes are used. The choice of where to lay the pipes, the
dimensions of the channel, (its form, width, capacity) and the diameter of the pipes, depend on the farm needs
and of the available funds and resources. One must take also into account the laws of hydrodyramic to be
applied while transporting the water in conduits (pipes). The main laws to be applied are the following: the law
of conservation of mass. The law of energy conservation and loss of energy during transportation. The law of
the conservation of mass states that in an closed system, the mass of a liquid passing through a section of a pipe
must pass through any other section of the same pipe:

Q = VA = V1A1 = V2A2

where Q = The mass of liquid (fluid)

A = The section of the pipe (A1; A2)

V1, V2 = The speed of the fluid (see Fig.7.3)

The law of conservation of energy or Bernouille's law says that at any point in the pipe in which a liquid is
passing through, the sum of energies of gravity, potential pressure energy and kinetics remain constant. The
energy of gravity is the one due to the altitude of the point above a level of reference (effect of the gravity). The
potential energy of pressure is equal to the pressure (P) divided by the volumic weight ( ) of the fluid and the
kinetic energy is equal to the square of the speed of the fluid divided by twice the coefficient of acceration, g
This law is applicable only to ideal fluids. In reality, there is loss of energy due to internal friction in water and
friction against the surface (lining) of the pipe. This energy is transformed into heat. These losses of energy are
continuous all occurring along the length of the pipes or are localised at the joint when the cross sections of the
pipe change or the direction changes. Practically, one has to take into account losses of energy due to the
roughness of the internal surface of the pipes and the kind of liquid flow (laminar and turbulent). Losses due to
changes of cross sections and direction: these facts are taken into account to choose the types of pipes necessary
to be laid from the source of water to the ponds.

4.6 Losses by seepage and evaporation

In addition to the water needed initially to fill a pond, you will need to add water regularly, over the length of
the growing season, to compensate for seepage and evaporation losses. Before you begin to build a pond you
should estimate how much water you will need to compensate for seepage and evaporation losses, per hectare of
pond area, so that your available water supply will be sufficient during the driest season. On this basis, you can
then calculate the pond area that can be maintained with this minimum water flow only.

4.6.1 Water losses by evaporation

The water that is lost to the air from the surface of the pond is called evaporation. The amount of water lost by
evaporation depends largely on local climate conditions. High air temperatures, low humidity, strong winds and
sunshine will increase evaporation. Low air temperatures, high humidity, rainfall and cloud cover will decrease
evaporation. Evaporation will also depend on the water surface area. The larger the pond, the more water will
evaporate from its surface.

4.6.2 Evaporation rates

You will need to know your local evaporation rate in order to calculate the amount of water lost from the
surface of a pond by evaporation. Evaporation rates, which are provided by meteorological stations, are found
by measuring and recording water losses by evaporation over many years. Evaporation rates are usually
expressed as the water depth lost in millimetres over a period of time, e.g., 2 mm/day, 14 mm/week or 60
mm/month.

Evaporation rates by Class A Pan

One of the most common methods to find the evaporation rate is accurately to measure daily water losses from a
standard-size container called a Class A Pan. Evaporation rates by Class A Pan can be obtained from many
meteorological stations throughout the world. In choosing a meteorological station for evaporation rates, be
careful to select one where climatic conditions such as sun, wind and rainfall are similar to conditions in your
locality

Water evaporates faster from a Class A Pan than from a large water surface such as a pond. When using Class A
Pan evaporation rates you must multiply by a correction factor of 0.75 to better approximate evaporation losses.

Example
The Class A Pan evaporation rate for the month of December is 45 mm. To find the corrected evaporation rate,
multiply 45 mm x 0.75 (correction factor) = 33.75 mm.

How to calculate water losses by evaporation using Class A Pan evaporation rates

To calculate evaporation losses, multiply the water surface area (in m2 ) by the corrected evaporation rate (in m)
for the length of time your pond will be in use.
Example

The water surface area of your pond is 2 500 m2 and you plan to grow fish from April to September. Total
evaporation for these months is 56+63+68+75+84+79 = 425 mm. The corrected total evaporation is 425 mm x
0.75 = 318.75 or 319 mm (omit this step if you are using evaporation rates calculated by the Penman Formula).
The corrected total evaporation expressed in metres is 319 mm ÷ 1 000 = 0.319 m. The total amount of water
you will lose from your pond by evaporation from April to September is 2500 m2 x 0.319 m = 769.5 or 770 m3.

4.6.3 Total water requirements

The total water requirements for a pond are:

 The amount of water needed to fill the pond in a reasonable length of time;
 The amount of water needed to compensate for seepage and evaporation losses over the planned
fish-growing period.
4.7 Fluid dynamics and statics

Fluid mechanics

This is the science that deals with the forces on fluids and their actions. A fluid is a substance consisting of
particles that change their position relative to one another.

It is a substance that will continuously deform when a shear stress is applied. A solid on the other hand, resists
shear stresses and will not deform when one is applied, providing that the shear stress does not exceed the
elastic limit of the material.

Pressure intensity

Fluid statics is the study of fluids at rest. At rest, fluids produce only normal forces (forces perpendicular to a
plane surface) called pressure forces.
Liquid level sensing
Water flow and head loss in channels and pipe systems

Water flow

The amount of water that flows through a pipe or an open channel depends on the water velocity, and the cross-
sectional area of the pipe or the channel where the water is flowing. The following equation is used for pipes
and channels and is also called the continuity equation.

Q=VA

Where:
Q=water flow (l/min; l/s; and m3/s).
V=water velocity (m/sec)
A=cross-sectional area of where the water is flowing.

For full pipes, the cross-sectional area will be the interior cross-section of the pipe. The above equation can be
used as a basis for construction of a chart. If two of the sizes are known, the last can be read from the chart
without the need for calculations.

Example:
Water flow to a farm is 1, 000l/min (0.0167m3/sec). The acceptable velocity in the pipeline is set at 1.5m/sec.
Find the necessary pipe dimensions if one pipe is to be used.

Q =VA
A = Q/V
A = 0.0167/1.5
= 0.011m3
Now:
A= r2
Where:
r = internal radius of the pipe. Therefore re-arranging these gives:

r=√A/
r=√0.011/
r=0.059m x 1,000
r=59mm.
The internal diameter in the pipe =2x59=118m

For an open channel, the flow velocity depends on:

 The slope,
 The hydraulic radius,
 The Manning coefficient.

The Manning equation is used to calculate the flow velocity:

V=(R 2/3 S ½)/n)

Where:
V = average flow velocity in the channel
R = hydraulic radius
S = channel slope
N = Manning coefficient

The hydraulic radius is the ratio between the cross-sectional area where the water is flowing, and the wetted
perimeter, which is the length of the wetted surface of the channel measured normal to the flow.

R=cross-sectional area/wetted perimeter

To achieve water transport through the channel, it must be inclined. The slope is defined as the ratio between the
difference in elevation between two points in the channel, and the horizontal distance between the same two
points.

Example:

The horizontal distance between two points A and B is 500m. Point A=34m above sea level and point B=12m
above sea level. Calculate the slope (S) of the channel.

S = (34m-12m)/500m
S = 0.044
S = 4.4cm/m

This means that for each meter of elevation, the horizontal distance is 22.7m. 22.7 is derived from 500m/22m.

To ensure drainage, it is recommended that the slope is more than 0.0013, while self-cleaning is ensured with
slopes in the range of 0.005-0.0010.

The Manning coefficient is determined by experiment, some actual values being about 0.015 for concrete-lined
channels and 0.013 for plastic, while unlined channels made of straight and uniform earth have a value of 0.023
and those made of rock 0.025.

Based on the flow velocity, and the cross-sectional area, the flow rate may be calculated with the continuity
equation which also can be expressed as:

Q=VA=R 2/3 S 1/2/n A

Where:
 Q=water flow
A=cross-sectional area where the water is flowing
V=average flow velocity in the channel
R=hydraulic radius
S=slope of the channel
N= Manning coefficient

4.7.1 Head loss in pipelines

Transport of water through a pipe or a channel between two points results in an energy loss (head loss). This is
caused by friction between the water molecules and the surroundings. In all pipe parts, where there is a change
in water direction (bends), or narrow passage (valves), additional friction will occur. This will also increase the
head loss.

Inside a pipe, there is a velocity gradient with the highest water velocity in the middle of the pipe and the lowest
close to the pipe walls because friction is highest against ands close to the wall. In addition to friction loss
against the wall, there will be friction between the water molecules because their velocities are not equal.

According to Bernoulli equation, the amount of energy in water remains constant if during passage no energy is
supplied or extracted from it. When friction occurs, the energy in the water is transformed into another form,
usually heat.

As a result of frictional losses, when flowing through a pipeline, the energy of the water must be higher at the
beginning (inlet) than at the end (outlet). If water is pumped, the pump pressure must overcome these frictional
energy losses in addition to the pump height.

The energy loss (hm) due to friction through a pipeline may be calculated using the Darcy-Weisbach equation.

hm= fLV2/2gd

where:

f = frictional coefficient
L = length of the pipeline
D = diameter of the pipeline (wet)
V = water velocity
g = acceleration due to gravity

The friction coefficient depends on the pipe surface; this is normally called the roughness of the pipe. Relatibe
roughness (r) is the relation between the absolute roughness (e) and the diameter (d) of the pipe. r=e/d.

High relative roughness gives high friction. The amount of friction depends on:
1) Pipe material
2) Connection method
3) Age of the pipe

Example:
A new plastic pipe will have a lower friction coefficient than an old pipe; The fouling that occurs in pipes used
for some time will increase the roughness of the pipe.

The f value for the pipe is given by the manufacturer, and for PE or PVC pipes normally ranges from 0.025 to
0.035. For new pipes, the value is lower. When doing calculations, values for old pipes should be used.
Frictional coefficient also depends on flow type.
The flow pattern can be divided into;
1) Laminar and
2) Turbulent
Frictional losses are much higher with turbulent flow. This will always be the case in pipes used in aquaculture
because water velocity is high. Laminar flow may occur in open channels with low water velocity.
_
The Reynolds number Re is a non-dimensional number used to describe the flow conditions. If Re is less than
2,000, the flow is laminar. When it is above 4,000 the flow is turbulent. Between these Re values, the flow is
unstable, and both turbulent and laminar conditions may occur. Re can be calculated from the following
equation:

Re= Vd/v

Where:
V=average water velocity
d=internal pipe diameter
v=kinematic viscosity

Kinematic viscosity is the absolute viscosity divided by the density of the liquid, the unit is m2/sec, The
kinematic viscosity tells us something about how easily the liquid flows for instance, oil will flow out slowly
when drops are allowed to fall onto a horizontal plate, while water will be distributed much faster.

The kinematic viscosity of water decreases with temperature for example; it is reduced from 1.79 x 10 -6 m2/sec
at 0oC to 1.00 x 10-6 m2/sec at 20oC. Salinity will also increase the kinematic viscosity of water. With a salinity
of 3.5% it is 1.83m2/sec at 0oC and 1.05 m2/sec at 20oC.

Example:

The average velocity of freshwater in a pipe of internal diameter 123.8mm is 1.5m/sec (0.1238m). The
temperature is 20oC. Calculate the Reynolds number.

R=Vd/v
= 1.5 x 0.1238/1 x 10-6
= 185700
This clearly shows that the water flow in the pipe is in the turbulent area.

By calculating the Reynolds number and the relative roughness of the pipe, the friction oefficient f, can be found
from the Moody diagram (Reynolds number on X axis and friction coefficient (relative roughness) on the Y
axis.

Example:
Calculate the head loss in an old PE pipe with internal diameter of 110mm (0.11m). The length of the pipe is
500m, and the velocity in the pipe is 1.5m/sec; the friction coefficient is 0.030.

hm =fLV2/2gd
=0.030 x 500 x 1.52/2 x 9.81 x 0.11
=11.47m

Learning Activities

Practical 1. Determination of water flow in pipes

Practical 2. Determination of water losses by seepage and evaporation

Summary of Topic

The quality of inflowing water (into the ponds) should be of very good quality to support optimal growth of fish.
High fish production densities in ponds will increase requirements for such optimal water quality, because the
quality of water will degenerate as it flows through the production unit.

Water for aquaculture should be adequate and reliable throughout the year. Quantity of water is a very important
factor when selecting sites for aquaculture. The water budget equation for a fish pond is prepared with the help
of the hydrologic equation. The requirements of water for a fish farm depend on the area of the ponds, their
average depth and the frequency of draining and refilling and also the losses dues to seepage and evaporation.
Water requirements for aquaculture farms will be estimated from water requirements for fish, what is known
about the available incoming water and the effects of fish on the water.
Water can be obtained from various sources such as ocean, ground, river, lake and reservoir. Pond volume and
the number of ponds possible will depend on the water flow available. The size and number of ponds you will
be able to build will depend on the water flow available at the time you plan to fill them. The design of the inlet
depends on the source of water. It is also common to have several water sources in use on the same fish farm.

The transportation of water from the supply to the ponds is through channels or pipes. The channels or gutters
are either dug right into the ground or made in concrete. They are either open or covered channels. In addition to
the water needed initially to fill a pond, you will need to add water regularly, over the length of the growing
season, to compensate for seepage and evaporation losses.

Further Reading Materials

Boyd, C.E., 1979. Water quality in warmwater fish ponds, Auburn Univerity, Alabama.

Yoo, K.H and Boyd, C.E., 1994. Hydrology and Water Supply for Pond Aquaculture, Chapman & Hall

Useful Links
[Link]
Topic 5. Topographical Features for Aquaculture

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the topic students should be able to know;

 How to measure distances, angles, slopes, and height differences,
 How to determine horizontal and vertical lines
 How to make simple surveys that will help you when you are ready to build your fish-farm
 How to prepare and use topographical plans and maps

Introduction

Topography is very important when choosing a site for aquaculture. Good fish-farm construction is possible
only with the right topography. When a site is proposed for aquaculture the following measurements are
required; size of the area; the slope of its ground surface; and its elevation (height) in relation to the source of
water you want to use. It is also required to measure;

 the distance between the source of water and the location of the ponds;
 the best way to supply water to the ponds;
 the easiest way of draining the ponds.

Almost all topographical methods are based on lines. There are two kinds of lines:

 Lines of measurement
 Lines of sight.

Lines of measurement may be either horizontal or vertical or they may follow the level of the ground. These
lines are clearly plotted in the field with markers to show the exact path along which you will measure. A line of
measurement can be:

o a straight line, which runs in one direction between two marked end-points;
o a broken line, which changes direction more than once between two marked end-points, with
each point at which the direction changes also marked;
o a curved line, which is marked like a broken line, but with markers much more closely
spaced so that the curve is clearly followed.

A line of sight is an imaginary line that begins at the eye of the surveyor and runs towards a fixed point. Lines
of sight are either horizontal or oblique (between horizontal and vertical).
5.1 Planning your topographical surveys

When you plan a topographical study, the most important rule to remember is that you must work from the
whole to the part, keeping in mind all of the work you will need to do as you begin the first steps. Different
types of survey require different levels of accuracy, but you should lay down the first points of each survey as
accurately as possible. You will adjust all the work you do later to agree with these first points.
Example
You need to plan survey a fish-farm site.
 First, you must make a perimeter survey ABCDEA. Besides these summits and boundaries, add several
major points and lines, such as AJ and EO. They run across the interior to create right angles, which
will help you in your calculations. This survey gives the primary survey points, which you should
determine and plot very accurately.
 Then, lay out minor lines such as FP and TN. They go between the major lines to divide the area into
blocks. This gives you the secondary survey points, which you may determine less accurately.
 Finally, survey details in each block using tertiary points, for which less accuracy is also acceptable.

[Link] Method

First make a preliminary or reconnaissance survey. You can use quick methods without worrying too much
about high accuracy. Based on the results of this survey you can plan and carry out more detailed and accurate
surveys, such as location surveys and, last of all, construction surveys.

The way you plan a topographical survey will depend on the subject you need to survey, such as:
 a straight line defined by at least two points, such as the centre-lines of supply canals, pond dikes, and
reservoir dams;
 a series of lines related to each other by horizontal angles and horizontal distances, such as the centre-
lines of pond dikes in a fish-farm;
 an area of land such as a site chosen for the construction of a fish-farm

Table 1. Methods of plan surveying

Method Basic elements Suitability Remarks

Traversing, open, Traverse sections Flat or wooded terrain Traverse sections may be of
closed and stations Longitudinal or cross- equal lengths, longer than 25
section profiles m and are best at 40 to 100 m
Compass traverse, Careful checks for errors
rapid reconnaissance needed
and details
Radiating, central and Observation Small land areas All points should be visible
lateral stations station For location of points and at angles greater than 15°
only
Offset Chaining line Details surveys next to Chaining line should not be
a chaining line more than 35 m away
Triangulation Base line Very large land areas Often combined with
Hilly or open terrains traversing and needing
Inaccessible locations elaborate preliminary
reconnaissance
Best with angles of about 60°
Plane-tabling, Reconnaissance and Mapping is done in the field
traversing, radiating, details surveys Rapid method after practice
triangulation Open terrain and good
 weather
Irregular lines and
areas

Source: FAO

[Link] methods used in plan surveying

There are four main methods used in plan surveying. You can fix the position of a point on the horizontal plane:
 from a single known point, by traversing, a method in which you measure horizontal distances and
azimuths along a zigzag line
 From a single known point, by radiation, a method in which you measure horizontal distances and
azimuths, or horizontal angles.
 from a known line, by offset, a method in which you measure horizontal distances and set out
perpendiculars
 From two known points, by triangulation and/or intersection, methods in which you measure horizontal
distances and azimuths, or horizontal angles.

5.2 How to survey by traversing

What is a traverse?
A traverse line or traverse is a series of straight lines connecting traverse stations, which are established points
along the route of a survey. A traverse follows a zigzag course, which means it changes direction at each
traverse station. Traversing is a very common surveying method in which traverses are run for plan surveying.
It is particularly suitable to use in flat or wooded terrain.

5.2.1. Types of Traverses:

I. Closed traverse: When the traverse forms a closed figure, such as the boundary of a fish-farm site, it is
called a closed traverse.
II. Open traverse: When the traverse forms a line with a beginning and an end, such as the centre-line of a
water-supply canal, it is called an open traverse.

When you survey by traversing, you need to make measurements to find information on:
• the distance between traverse stations;
• the direction of each traverse section.

If you have a theodolite (also called a transit), you can make a transit traverse. You will measure horizontal
distances using the stadia method and you will measure horizontal angles using a theodolite. Similarly, but with
much less accuracy, you could use a clisimeter and a graphometer.

5.2.2. Choosing the route of a traverse

When selecting the route a traverse will follow, you should try to:
• Make each straight section of the traverse as long as possible (40-100 m);
• Make the traverse sections as equal in length as possible;
• avoid very short traverse sections - under 25 m long;
• choose lines which can be measured easily;
• choose lines along routes which avoid obstacles such as heavy vegetation, rocks, standing crops
and property.

[Link] an open traverse

To adjust the observed traverse AX for the closing error XX', it is easiest to use the graphic method, as follows:
 • on paper, draw a straight horizontal line AX equalling the total measured length of the observed
traverse, drawn at an adequate scale;
• at X, draw XX' perpendicular to AX and in proportion, in length to the closing error, using the same
scale as above;
• join A to X' with a straight line;
• on AX, find lengths AB, BC, CD, DE, and EX in proportion to the field measurements, using the same
scale as above; Find the intermediate points BCD and E
• at points B, C, D, and E, draw lines BB', CC', DD' and EE' perpendicular to AX; Draw perpendiculars
BB', CC', DD' and EE'
• measure the lengths of lines BB', CC', DD' and EE', which show by how much you need to adjust each
traverse station; Measure the perpendiculars
• adjust your drawing of the traverse by:
• joining the observed position X of the last traverse station to its known position X'; Draw XX'
• drawing short lines parallel to XX' through stations B, C, D and E; Draw the other segments parallel to
XX'
• marking on these lines the calculated adjustments BB', CC', DD' and EE', using the same scale as
above; Measure the distance BB', CC', DD' and EE'
• joining points A, B', C', D', E' and X' to find the adjusted traverse. Join the points of the adjusted
traverse

5.2.4 Surveying a closed traverse with a magnetic compass

You can lay out a closed traverse ABCDEA in exactly the same way as an open traverse, except that you will
connect the last point to the initial point A. To survey an irregular enclosed area of land ABCDEA (such as a
site for a fish-farm) by compass traversing, proceed as follows:
• walk over the area and locate traverse stations A, B, C, D and E;
• mark them with ranging poles or stakes;
• if necessary, clear away any vegetation so that you can see stations A and B, B and C, C and D, etc.
from each other;
• remove the ranging pole from point A (station 1) and stand at this station. Find azimuth AB- a
foresight- from the centre of this station with the compass. Replace the ranging pole exactly at station
1;
• measure distance AB with a measuring line;
• at point B (station 2), measure azimuth BA - a backsight and azimuth BC - a foresight;
• measure distance BC as you move to point C (station 3);
• proceed in the same way at stations 3, 4 and 5;
• when you reach point A again (station 1), measure azimuth AE - a backsight.

In a field book, carefully note down all your measurements. You can use a table similar to the one suggested for
the open traverse. You should also make a sketch of the traverse, on a separate square-ruled page, and write in
the measurements. At the same time, check to see that the foresights and backsights differ by 180º.

Example: Measurements observed for the beginning of compass traverse AX made of 12 stations:

Stations Distance (m) Azimuths (degrees) Calculated difference

From To Individual Cumulative FS BS FS/BS (degrees)
1 2 53.6 53.6 82 261 179
2 3 47.3 100.9 120 301 181
3 4 65.2 166.1 66 248 182
4 5 56.8 222.9 51 229 178
5 6 61.1 284.0 91 270 179

5.2.5 Adjusting a closed traverse

Starting from station 1 (A), draw the observations of your compass traverse on square-ruled paper. Use a
protractor to measure the azimuths, and an adequate scale for the measured distances. If there is a closing error,
adjust your drawing by using the graphic method described for an open traverse.

5.3 How to survey by radiating

When you plan a survey by radiation, you will choose one convenient observation station, from which you will
be able to see all the points you need to locate. This method is excellent for surveying small areas, where you
need to locate only points for mapping. When you make a radiating survey of a polygonal* site, you connect the
observation station to all the summits of this area by a radiating series of sighting lines. In this way, a number of
triangles are formed. You will measure one horizontal angle and the length of two sides for each triangle.

Choosing the observation station

The station should also be a located so that:
• you can see all the summits of the area you need to survey;
• you can measure the lines joining it to these summits;
• you can measure the angles formed by these lines.

When choosing the observation station, you should be particularly careful to avoid any points from which very
small radiating angles might result.

The observation station 0 can be in a central position, inside the polygon to be surveyed. In this case, you will
measure as many triangles as there are sides of the [Link] of triangles = number of polygon sides N =
5.
The observation station 0 can also be in a lateral position (off to the side). In this case, 0 will be one of the
summits of the polygon. The number of triangles you need to measure will be the number of sides to the
polygon, minus 2. Number of triangles = number of sides minus 2. N = 5 - 2 = 3

5.3.1 Choosing a method for radiating surveys

• If you have a transit (a theodolite), you can measure horizontal angles more precisely than with the
other instruments. A transit equipped with stadia hairs can also be used to measure distances rapidly.

• If you have a magnetic compass, you can use it to measure the azimuths of the horizontal angles at the
observation station. You will usually measure horizontal distances by chaining.
• If you have a plane-table, you can use it for mapping the area directly from the observation point. You
will then usually measure the horizontal distances by chaining.

5.3.2 Carrying out a radiating plan survey with a magnetic compass

• Walk over the area you need to survey and choose a convenient central observation station 0. Clearly
mark all summits of the polygon. Clear any high vegetation along the future radiating lines of sight.
With your magnetic compass, take a position over the central station 0. Measure the azimuths
of the six radiating lines OA, OB, OC, OD, OE and OF.
• Measure the horizontal distance over each of these lines.
• Carefully note down all these measurements in your field-book. You can use the first three columns of
the table given in the example. Then make a sketch of the area, with the lines and angles and their
measurements, on square-ruled paper.
• Calculate the value of the angles between successive points. Check this by adding all the values: if you
find 360° or a figure close to that, the calculation is correct.

5.4 How to survey by offset

What is an offset?
In plan surveying, an offset is a straight line which is laid out perpendicularly to a line you are chaining.
Offsets are mainly used to survey details of the terrain (such as wells, rocks or trees) which are located close to a
chaining line. Generally, offsets are less than 35 m long.
Surveying by offset
 • While chaining line AB, you see two points of interest on either side of it, X and Y, whose exact
positions you want to record.
• From these points, drop XC and YD perpendicular to line AB (see Section 3.6). Lines XC and YD are
offsets. Drop perpendiculars from the points of interest
• Measure horizontal distances AC and CD on line AB. Measure horizontal distances CX and DY along
the offsets.
• From these measurements you can plot the exact positions of points X and Y on paper, if line AB is
known. Measure the distance to plot the points

5.5. How to survey by triangulation

What is triangulation?
If you use the triangulation method, you will form consecutive triangles, starting from two known points which
you can see from each other. The straight line joining these two points is called the base line.
Example
A and B are two points whose positions you know. Therefore, you can easily survey the baseline AB to find the
measurements of the horizontal distance and magnetic azimuth. AB is 123 m long and azimuth AB = 150º.

To determine the position of a new point C by triangulation, this new point is joined to the known base line by
two new lines, forming a triangle. You can then find the position of the new point:
• either by measuring the distances of the lines running from the base line to the point;
• or by measuring the azimuths of the two new straight lines running from the points A and B to point C.
Measure distances AC and BC or...

5.5.1. Using the triangulation method

• On terrain with many obstacles such as hills, marshes or high vegetation, where traversing would be
difficult, you can use the triangulation method successfully.
• When you are traversing, and cannot measure a line directly, you can use the triangulation method
instead.
• Triangulation makes locating points on opposite sides of a stream or a lake very easy. A good site for a
triangulation survey

Using the triangulation method in the field

• The simplest way to use the triangulation method in the field is with a plane-table
• Avoid very large angles (over 165°) and very small angles (under 15°). The method works best with
angles of about 60°. A plane-table is useful in triangulation

5.5.2 How to use the plane-table

A plane-table is a horizontal drawing-board mounted on top of a vertical support. You use it with a sighting
device, a spirit level and a magnetic compass. You can make a very simple plane-table for reconnaissance
surveys from a wooden board and a strong pole. Get a 50 x 60 cm board of soft wood, about 2 cm thick. With
sandpaper, polish one of its surfaces well until it is very smooth. Draw two diagonal lines lightly across this
surface to find the centre of the board. Get a straight wooden pole about 5 cm in diameter and 1 m long. Shape
one end into a point. This will be firmly driven into the ground at the observation point when you use the plane-
table. Preferably using a brass screw, fix the board, smooth side up, by its centre-point to the top of the pole.
You can make a simple sighting device from an ordinary ruler about 50 cm long by driving two thin nails
vertically into it along the centre-line for sighting. You will also need a simple magnetic compass to use with the
plane-table. If you have a spirit level, use it to set up the top board horizontally. Or simply lay a rounded object
such as a small ball, a glass marble or a pencil on the board's top surface. When the object remains still, the
board is horizontal.
To survey more precisely, you will need a more complicated plane-table than the one just described. This plane-
table will be mounted on a tripod (a three-legged support) so that:
• you can alter the spread of the tripod's legs to adjust to rough terrain,
• you can accurately place the drawing board in a horizontal position;
• you can easily orient and rotate the drawing board.
You can build a tripod with legs made out of single pieces of wood, or with adjustable legs. A tripod with
adjustable legs is more difficult to make, but it is better since you can set up the plane-table more easily on
sloping ground by changing the length of the legs.
A plane-table with a normal tripod is adequate for surveying horizontal areas and areas with small slope
gradients, which you must often survey in aquaculture.
Using the plane-table
You can use the plane-table in two different ways, depending on the type of survey you are making:
• in reconnaissance surveys, to make maps and plans quickly in the field;
• in later surveys, to fill in details after you have determined the primary points.

The plane-table can also be used for measuring horizontal angles.

Before you plan survey with the plane-table, you will need to:
• fix a piece of drawing paper on the top of the board;
• set the plane-table up over the station point;
• level the drawing board, or make it horizontal;
• orient the drawing board to face the line you want to survey.

[Link] of plane-tabling
• it is the only method with which you can make a plan or map in the field;
• It requires fewer points, as you draw the map while you survey;
• you can plot irregular lines and areas fairly easily and accurately;
• It is quick
• you do not have to measure angles, so that you avoid several possible sources of error;
• you plot everything in the field, and so avoid missing any features you need to measure;
• you can easily check on the location of points you have plotted.

[Link] are the disadvantages of plane-tabling?

• the plane-table and its extra equipment are heavy and fairly awkward to carry;
• learning how to use the plane-table correctly takes some time;
• you can only use the method in fairly open country, where you can see most of the points you are
surveying;
• you cannot use the method in bad weather conditions, such as heavy rains or high winds.

[Link] up the plane-table

If you decide to start the survey from a selected station, first set up the plane-table over this station.
Otherwise, you can use calipers and a plumb-line. The metal arm or calipers should be placed with one tip
touching the point on the plane-table and the other tip on the underside of the table. Hang the plumb-line from
the point indicated on the underside of the table, and move the table until the plumb-line is directly over the
ground point.
Spread the tripod legs well apart, and plant them firmly in the ground. The drawing board should be waist-high,
so that you may bend over it without resting against it.
Rotate the table top so that the paper is in a position that allows you to draw the whole area you need to survey
on it.
Choose the scale you will use making sure it will allow you to plot even the most distant point on the paper. You
can first walk quickly over the terrain you will survey to check the distances by pacing so you can decide on the
right scale to use.
Level the board with the spirit level, making it as horizontal as possible. To do this, first place the spirit level
along one side of the board, parallel to two legs of the tripod and adjust the table to a horizontal position. Then
place the level along the side perpendicular to that pointing toward the third leg of the tripod and adjust again.
Repeat this process until the board is horizontal.

[Link] the plane-table

• You can orient the plane-table either by using a magnetic compass or by backsighting. Usually, the
board is first oriented roughly by compass, and then more precisely by backsighting.
• If you use a magnetic compass (see Section 3.2), rotate the compass until the direction of the needle
lines up with the direction of south-north, or the 180° to 360° direction. Draw a line on the drawing
 paper showing this direction. Draw another line in the same direction on another part of the paper.
Mark the north direction on these lines with an arrow and the letter N.
• If at a surveying station you know the direction of a line which you have already plotted on the board,
you can use that line to orient the plane-table by taking a backsight. It is the most precise way of
orienting the plane- table and you should use it whenever possible.

[Link]-tabling for plotting details

• When you have finished the reconnaissance survey and accurately mapped the main stations, you can
further use plane-tabling to locate details such as rocks, buildings, a well or a group of trees.

• To do this, set up the plane-table at each of the main stations in turn, and draw sighting lines to each of
these features.
• You can locate each detail on the drawing board by finding the intersection point of at least three
sighting lines. You will not have to take any more [Link] main stations

5.5.8 Measuring horizontal angles by plane-tabling

You can measure horizontal angles fairly accurately by drawing sighting lines on a plane-table and measuring
this angle with a protractor.

Learning Activities

Assignment: Survey an area and conduct site appraisal for aquaculture establishment

Summary of Topic

Topographical surveys will help you to make plans or maps of an area that show the main physical features on
the ground, such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, roads, forests or large rocks; or the various features of the fish-farm,
such as ponds, dams, dikes, drainage ditches or sources of water; the difference in height between land forms,
such as valleys, plains, hills or slopes; or the difference in height between the features of the fish-farm. These
differences are called the vertical relief.

When you plan a topographical study, the most important rule to remember is that you must work from the
whole to the part

There are four main methods used in plan surveying (1) by traversing, a method in which you measure
horizontal distances and azimuths along a zigzag line, (2) by radiation, a method in which you measure
horizontal distances and azimuths, or horizontal angles, (3) by offset, a method in which you measure horizontal
distances and set out perpendiculars and (4) by triangulation and/or intersection, methods in which you measure
horizontal distances and azimuths, or horizontal angles.

Further Reading Materials

Brinker, R.C. and Minnick, [Link] surveying handbook, 2nd (eds), Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston,
Dordrecht, London.

Useful Links

[Link]
marine-aquaculture-facilities
Topic 6: Cage Culture Systems

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this topic the learners should be able to:

 Describe cage site selection, designs and construction
 Apply the principles of appropriate site selection for the enhanced sustainability of cage aquaculture
 Apply key issues of dimensioning and design of key components to aquaculture cages

Key Terms:

Cages, collars, cage bag, moorings, biofouling

Introduction

Cages are manmade structures suspended in the water at the bottom. Cages are suitable for both small-scale
artisanal and large scale commercial aquaculture production. The size of the cages range from 1.0 m 3 to 1,000
m3. Cage culture is less suitable for the production of benthic or macrophyte-feeding species and is largely
restricted to the rearing of high value carnivorous species. Modern cage culture originated in Japan in the 1950s
where yellowtail was first cultured followed by the culture of salmon, trout, tilapia and channel catfish.

Today over 150 species are being farmed in cage systems. The culture of Salmonid species in Norway,
Scotland, USA, and Canada are today the most dominant cage culture systems in the world. Cage culture is
often reliant on the culture of fingerlings in land based hatcheries. As most of the sheltered inshore areas have
already been developed, cage farming systems are nowadays moving into larger offshore based farming
systems.

The advantages of cage culture include the following;

 Cage culture makes use of existing water bodies

 Does not require land ownership and the related capital costs
 The management of cage culture are often less complicated than land based systems
 Cage culture is often the most economical means of culture
 The systems are less difficult and expensive to install, maintain and to alter
 The units are mobile offering the opportunity to be moved into optimal rearing environments and
sheltered areas.
 Cage systems facilitates ease of harvesting

The disadvantages include the following;

 Cages are often sited in public or multi-use water systems offering less control over water quality and
pollution.
 Exposed to foul weather conditions
 Environmental impact on water quality
 Introduce or disrupt disease and parasite cycles
 Make navigation hazardous
 Aesthetically undesirable
 Vulnerable to poaching and vandalism

6.1 Site selection for cages

Choice of site for aquaculture is important because:

1) It greatly influences economic viability by determining capital outlay and affecting running costs,
production and mortality.
2) Cage and pen based aquaculture systems suffer in comparison to land-based operations in that, there is
less room for error in site selection.

There are three categories of cage site selection criteria that must be addressed:
 1) The first is concerned with the physico-chemical conditions that dictate whether a species can thrive in
an environment (temperature salinity, oxygen, currents, pollution, algal blooms, exchange).

2) The second comprises those factors that must be considered in order to site a cage system successfully
(weather, shelter, depth, substrate)

3) The third is concerned with the establishment of a farm and profitability (legal aspects, access, land-
based facilities, security, economic and social considerations).

Data collected must be by:

1) Survey methods
2) Analysis of water samples
3) Talking to local people about prevailing weather conditions
4) Occurrence of algal blooms or pollution.

Consultations with local people before establishing the cages will also help to minimize poaching and
vandalism.

The criteria for cage site selection include the following

Category 1 Category 2 Category 3

Temperature Depth Legal aspects
Salinity Shelter Access
Pollution Substrate Security
Suspended solids Currents Proximity to markets
Algal blooms Fouling
Disease organisms
Water exchange
Currents
Fouling

6.1.1 Environmental criteria for the cultured organisms

Cage sites must have:

1) Good water quality.

2) They should not be contaminated by toxic industrial pollutants,
3) Should meet the pH, temperature, oxygen, and salinity requirements of species to be farmed. Use of
remote sensing techniques may also be done to monitor and evaluate water quality.
6.2 Cage Types

Cage design is extremely versatile allowing for a large variety of cage farming systems to suite particular
applications. The basic types of cages includes the following:

Table 1. Cage Types

Fixed Floating Submersible Submerged

Non-rotating Rotating Suspended from Adjustable Rigid or flexible
surface buoyancy
Wide or narrow With central Rigid or flexible
collar axis
Rigid or flexible Without central
collar axis
Rigid or flexible bag

Rigid structures and mesh are mainly used in fast flowing waters and currents. Submersible cages have been
designed primarily as a strategy against stormy weather conditions.
(a). Floating net cage
the bag of these cages is supported by a buoyant collar or frame. This is the most widely used cage type,
and can be designed in an enormous variety of shape and sizes. It is less limited than most other types in
terms of specifications. Some floating cages are designed to rotate to control fouling. Some floating net bag
designs have a solid bottom and are used for flatfish culture. Neither net nor rigid mesh bag submersible
cages have a collar, but instead rely on a frame or rigging to maintain shape.

(b) Non-floating cages

These are much more widely used. They can be constructed with wide or narrow collars. Most wide collars
are designed to be rigid although some are flexible.

Simple and inexpensive flexible collar narrow cages can be made using rope and buoys but are difficult to
manage. Rigid narrow collars made from glass fiber or steel section and buoys are popular in Europe, but
all operations have to be carried out from a boat or pontoon. Rigid mesh designs must utilize a rigid collar.

Some submerged designs rely on the bag being suspended from buoys or floating frame on the water
surface. Simple submerged cages, little more than a wooden box, are anchored to the substrate by stones or
posts and are used in flowing waters in some parts of Indonesia, while net mesh bag designs are used in
lakes and reservoirs in China and Russia.

©. Fixed cages

These have a net bag supported by posts driven into the bottom of a lake or river. They are commonly used in
the Philippines. These cages are comparatively inexpensive and simple to build. They are, however, limited in
size and shape, and their use is restricted to sheltered shallow sites with suitable substrates.

6.3 Design Criteria for Cage Culture Systems

Cage design depends on a number of factors including:

 Fish species
 Prevailing environmental conditions
 Method of culture, extensive vs intensive
 Properties, costs, availability of materials and
 Local manufacturing skills

The design components include aspects of the cage bag, the cage frame, collars and support, linkages and
groupings and mooring systems.

6.3.1 The Cage Bag

The cage bag is the main structure that contains the fish and is attached to the particular frame. The function of
the bag is to hold the fish securely whilst permitting sufficient water exchange to replenish oxygen and to
remove harmful metabolites. The shape of the cage bag may vary from square, rectangular, multi-sided or
circular. Circular cage bags are stronger and make more efficient use of material at the least cost. It also offers
advantages when farming with schooling species such as Salmon theta prefers to swim a circular fashion.
However the supporting structures of circular cage systems are more complicated. The size of the cage bag also
has consequences on the cage design and operation. Larger cages require more sophisticated materials and
technology. They are more difficult to manage, for example to conduct grading exercises. Mooring becomes
difficult, and risks in general are increased.

Properties of an ideal mesh material should include strength, lightness, rot and weather resistance, fouling
resistance, easy reparation, drag force resistance, non-abrasion, and economical cost. Material range from
cotton, synthetic fibres to semi-rigid materials such as extruded plastics and metals. Most modern knotless
netting is manufactured from synthetic fibres.

6.3.2 Types of forces acting on the cage bag:

 It is important for the cage, both the frame and the bag to maintain its shape against external forces in order to
prevent crowding and severe stress on the fish population. The main types of forces include

1) Static.
2) Dynamic.
3) Others

Static loads act vertically and are imposed by the weight of the bag plus fouling and in the case of net and small
rigid mesh structures that are usually lifted during harvesting, by the biomass of fish. The bag material must be
strong enough to withstand these forces.

Static loads can be estimated from:

1) The area and density of netting
2) Rigid mesh materials used
3) Weight of fouling
4) Fish biomass
5) The quantities of ropes
6) Weights of frame components used to strengthen and stiffen the structure.

It is important to quantify static loads for design of the floatation and mooring systems, but these are less critical
in determining the design of the bag. The most important dynamic forces that impinge on the cage bag are
caused by currents which act horizontally.

Dynamic forces – are caused by water currents and wind induced surface waves, the bulk of which act in a
horizontal direction.

Other forces – induced by floating objects and predators etc.

The type of material, mesh size and the degree of fouling also influence water exchange through the cage and
are thus important determinants of stocking density. The behavior of the fish, affected by both species and
environmental conditions such as temperature and time of day, also have a large influence on the transmission
ratio of water through the cage. In general mesh size should be as large as possible. Cage bags should be
manufactured with ropes stitched to the outside of the walls and floor every few meters. Loops should also be
included at all corners and at meter intervals on all down-ropes to facilitate easy installation and handling.
Weights should be attached to the down-rope to help maintain the shape of the bag.

6.3.3 The Cage Frame

The Cage frame is there to support the shape of the cage bag and to offer a working platform for the services of
the cage and the related farming operations. It can be constructed out of a variety of materials, including wood,
synthetic substances and metal. A modular cage design has set advantages with regard to construction,
expansion, and maintenance. The chosen material should be lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion and
weathering. The frame should both present a freeboard to prevent the fish from jumping out as well as working
platform and feature to attach the cage bag and other utilities.
 Figure 1. Floating Cage

6.4 Cage Designs and Construction

Shape

Circular cages make the most efficient use of materials, and have the lowest costs per unit volume. They
however, have some disadvantages: Since the surface area: volume ratio is comparatively small, water exchange
may be impaired.
Advantages
1) Structures that are circular or near circular (polygonal or square) in plan area are best in terms of utilization
of space, corners or rectangular structures being little utilized.
2) Shape can also influence effective stocking densities and swimming behavior which can in turn influence
production, but may not be applicable to less active fishes such as tilapia and carp.

Size
1) One advantage of increasing bag size of the cage is that cost per unit volume falls.
2) So, large cages are cheaper to build than several smaller cages, but are difficult to handle out of water and
may buckle or collapse under their own weight if not constructed correctly.
3) Larger cages that are damaged allowing animals to escape are more likely to mean a substantial loss for the
farmer.
4) In western Europe, the cages of 100-150m3 used for rearing Atlantic salmon in the 1960s and 1970s have
gradually been replaced by cages of up to 5 times this volume.
5) However, large cages require more sophisticated materials and technology even the most simple of routine
operations.
6) Inspection of nets and removal of dead fish may have to be done by divers or by using expensive,
sophisticated technology.
7) Monitoring of fish health becomes difficult and grading is also a problem.
8) Water exchange in very large cages may also be poorer as the surface area: volume ratio decreases with
increasing size.
9) Certain species by virtue of their life styles may require more space
10) large animals would also like more space than small animals.
11) larger shoaling and pelagic fish such as salmon, tunas and yellowtail grow faster in cages with larger surface
areas.
12) There is improved feed conversion and less feed wastage, lower mortality and a reduction in the incidence of
sexual maturation.
 6.4.1 Location

1) Cages should be held within the plankton rich surface (<2m) waters.
2) Very shallow cages (<15 m) have affected body shape and retarded the growth of carp and tilapia.
3) Flatfish such as turbot can be grown in cages of 0.9-1.6 m depth.
4) Halibut, another flatfish, spends most of the time on the cage bottom little utilizing the rest of the caged
volume.
5) Catfish also being bottom feeders tend to utilize the deeper areas of the cage except when feeding.
6) Depth much greater than 10-12 m would be poorly utilized, and cage depths of 3-10m would be acceptable
for most species.
7) Cage depth and area interact.

6.4.2 Parts of a cage

Cages have three parts:

1. The cage itself, having some sort of mesh sizes
2. Floats that keep the cage in the water column
3. Anchors that prevent the cage from drifting away.

The mesh material is made of various materials:

1) Nylon
2) Plastic, such as polyethylene
3) Polypropylene) or metal wire coated with plastic. Most uncoated metals will corrode especially in saltwater.
4) Some cages are made of a single layer of mesh material while others have a second outer wall that is made of
a stronger material acting as extra protection from predators and possible damage to the inner walls.

6.4.3 Materials for cages

The materials for construction of the cage bag should be:

1. Strong
2. Light
3. Rot, corrosion and weather-resistant
4. Fouling resistant
5. Easily worked and repairable
6. Drag-free
7. Smooth textured and thus non-abrasive to fish and
8. Inexpensive

Not all materials would have all the above qualities or features.

6.4.4 Determination of cage bag strength

Water flowing through a mesh or netting panel impose a load on the panel which in turn exerts additional
dynamic loadings on the supporting frame, collar and mooring system. The load on a panel has been shown to be
dependent upon the nature of the material used, shape and size of the mesh, velocity of the water of the current
and density of water such that;

Fc = Cd-V2 A (Kawakami, 1964)

Where:
Fc – The force applied to the panel by the current (kg)
Cd – Coeffient of drag of the material (dimensionless)
d- = Density of water
V = current velocity (m/s)
A = projected area of the mesh members (m2)

The latter parameter is calculated from panel area, number of meshes and length and diemater of mesh members.
Cd values have been experimentally determined using panels fabricated from a variety of clean and flouled
metarials. For materials other than expanded metals meshes, Cd values which are closely approximate to those
determined experimentally can be calculated using the following formula;

Cd = 1+ 3.77 (d/a) + 9.37 (d/a)2 for knotted materials (Milne, 1970)

Cd = 1+ 2.73 (d/a) + 3.12 (d/a)2 for knoless materials (Milne, 1970)

Where;
d = yarn diameter (mm)
a = bar length (mm)

Note that Cd values increase with bar width and consequently are greater for fouled than unfouled materials. The
equations above also show that C d values are considerably greater for knotted than knotless materials. The
lowest Cd values observed were determined from tests carried out by Woods Hole Engineering Associates
(1964).

6.4.5 Determination of length of netting

Neeting can be hung in a variety of ways which dictate the horizontal and vertical mesh openings. For fish
cages, howver, the netting is often hung with a hanging ratio ® of 0.3 ie the horizontal opening of the mesh is
equivalent to 70% of the stretched mesh value. For practical purposes, the following formula is used to calcucate
the length of the netting;

Ls = Ld/1-r

Where;
Ls = length of the stretched netting (m)
Ld = desired length (m)

Thus, for a 4 × 3 m cage, a total length of 14 m of netting is desired.

6.5 Environmental criteria for the cultured organisms in cages.

The function of the bag component of a cage is to:

1) Hold the fish securely, while permitting sufficient water exchange to replenish oxygen or food and
remove potentially harmful toxic metabolites.
2) Cage volume should be resistant to deformation by external forces which would cause crowding
and stress as well as injure or cause mortalities of fish stock.

Quantification of currents and the response of the material can:

1) help to predict how a particular design will perform in terms of water exchange and deformation of the
bag
2) aid in the design of the frame members for rigid mesh materials and in rigging systems for netting.
Data generated can also be used in the computation of moorings.

Water flowing through a mesh or netting panel imposes a load which is transmitted to the supporting frame,
collar and mooring system.

The load on a panel is dependent on:

1) Nature of the material used
2) Shape of the mesh
3) Size of the mesh
4) Current velocity
5) Density of water
 6.5.1 Common material-related problems in cage culture

1. Biofouling in marine systems which leads to:

i) Increases in drag and weight,
ii) Decreases in flow through the nets (resulting in reduced water quality).
2. Corrosion of metallic components
3. UV light deterioration of plastic materials
4. Damage by waves or ice.

A fiberglass framed cage with copper–nickel mesh has been found to be more satisfactory than typical nylon net
cages in many respects because it costs less to maintain and replace, is less easily damaged and had reduced
levels of fouling.

The most common floatation material used is Styrofoam because it is cheap, light, durable and does not corrode
in water. For small cages, plastic milk jugs are sometimes sealed and used. For very large cages, air-filled steel
drums may be the best. Some of the very large cages have floating walkways to make feeding and harvesting
easier.

The bottoms of the cages must be high enough off the sediment to prevent wastes from building up near the fish.
Avoid sites that are too shallow. Only the very top of the cage should be above the water surface. Do not waste
valuable growing space.

Cages can be anchored to almost any stationery object on the bottom. Some cages are not anchored individually,
but rather are strung together with a rope or a cable fixed in the sediment or to a dock. Cages are arranged in one
of two parallel rows which make it easier to work with a small boat. If more than two rows are used, there is a
danger that the currents that bring in dissolved oxygen and take out wastes will be inhibited, resulting in the
decline in water quality.

6.6 Technology, management and the finished product

1) Although cages need a certain level of technological sophistication in design, construction and
operation, some cages are simple and can be assembled within a day.
2) Cages are easily managed.
3) Stock can easily be observed unlike fish pens.
4) Fish may be harvested easily using a scoop net.
5) Once established, land-based systems can be difficult to change.
6) Cage farms can be expanded simply by adding a few more cages.
7) Fish grown in cages can succumb to fin and skin damage through abrasion.
8) Disfiguration can be minimized if:
i) Cages are sited and moored properly,
ii) Appropriate rearing densities are adhered to;
iii) Fish are carefully handled.
9) Cages make use of existing water bodies. This gives non-landowning sectors of the community access
to fish farming.
10) Cages are suitable for both small-scale artisanal and large-scale commercial aquaculture production

6.7 Social and environmental issues (as problems).

Cages:
1) Have a pronounced impact on the aquatic environment.
2) Occupy space which can disrupt access
3) Make navigation difficult
4) Reduce the landscape value of a site
5) Alter current flows
6) Increase local sedimentation rates.
7) Can be responsible for the introduction of pathogens
8) Can disrupt disease and parasite cycles changing the aquatic flora and fauna
and altering the behavior and distribution of local fish.
9) Release uneaten food and feces into the environment from intensive cage
 culture.

This will stimulate primary production and adversely affect water quality.
The impact of cage culture on the environment can bring about conflict with other interests, such as fishing and
recreation. It can also exert a negative feedback on cage operations.

6.7.1 Security in cage culture

Cages are sited in public or multi-user water bodies where farmers are powerless to stop or control pollution.

6.7.2 Problems of cage culture

1) Pollution is a major problem in cage culture in Japan causing thousands of dollars of damage each year.
2) Cages and pens are more susceptible to storm damage than ponds, tanks or raceways.
3) Cages are also highly vulnerable to poaching and vandalism, which may be so serious as to preclude
their use in certain parts of the world.

6.8 Economics of cage culture

Capital costs vary with cage size and materials.

1) Cages designed to withstand exposed conditions can cost between 25 and 100% more per unit volume
than those designed for sheltered inshore sites.
2) Operational costs are highly variable, being determined by:
I) Species
II) Site
III) Method of culture
IV) Management
V) Scale of operation.
3) Seed costs vary between 10 and 40% of operating costs for tilapias and 15% of grow-out costs for
salmon.
4) In intensive cage farming operations, feed can account for more than 50% operating costs, compared
with only 3-4% in semi-intensive cage tilapia operations.
5) Marine cage farming is generally more labor-intensive than freshwater operations.
6) Marine cage farming faces problems with fouling.
7) Depreciation costs can be as high as 45% of operating costs, indicating a short service life for many
cages, especially wooden designs.
8) Metal mesh cages and those designed for exposed locations have considerably longer service lives.
9) Operating costs also differ, and this depends on small or large operations.
10) Cage culture operations may cost less than other culture operations which will need pumping of water.
11) Initial capital costs are lower for cages, although operating costs are slightly higher than for raceways.
12) The use of cages is the most economically feasible method of intensively rearing fish such as
salmonids, yellowtail and groupers in marine waters
13) Cage culture can be a profitable means of production of other species, but this depends on local
conditions.

6.9 Summary:

Cage production is possible in ponds, lakes, reservoirs, strip pits, rivers and streams. Many failures in cage
production have occurred because of poor site selection. Before attempting cage culture make sure the body of
water chosen will support the increased biological demand placed upon it. Many different sites may be adapted
to cage culture. Potential sites include lakes, reservoirs, ponds, quarries, rivers and streams

Picking the fish species that will do well in cages in your particular location is important Probably the most
important decision in determining which species you should culture in cages is: Is there a market for them?
Furthermore, is that market local or must they be transported for long distances? Is it a live market or a
processed market? What size is preferred in the market? All potential producers should evaluate markets before
selecting the species to be cultured.
Larger cages have been built and utilized particularly in large lakes, reservoirs, rivers, bays, and estuaries. Many
times large cages are called net pens because they are constructed from nylon netting. Most of these failures
appear to have been caused by water quality and associated disease problems. Aerated cages have worked well
in producing fish but little effort has been made to evaluate the cost effectiveness

Biofouling is a common cage problem. Biofouling is the growth of algae and bryozoans (soft bodied, jelly-like
animals) on the sides of the cage. These creatures restrict water flow through the cage and cause water quality
problems. Periodically check the sides of the cage (but do not lift the cage out of the water) and remove any
biofouling organisms with a stiff brush or broom. Do not stress the fish.

Learning Activities:
2. Practical session on assessment of a sites for cage culture

3. Field visit to cage culture establishment (MALDECO)

4. Discussion following a Video presentation on cage culture in Asia (FAO documentary)

5. Assignment: Review of literature on recent advances in cage culture

Further Reading Materials:

Balarin, J.D. and R.D. Haller, 1982. The intensive culture of tilapia in tanks, raceways and cages. In: Muir, J.F.
and [Link] (eds). Recent advances in Aqauculture, Croom Helm Ltd, St Johns Road, London.

Pillay, T.V.R. 1990. Aquaculture: Principles and Practices. Fishing News Books, Blackwell Science LTD.

Useful Links

[Link]/docrep/003/T0555E/T0555E06

[Link]

[Link] cage culture problems

[Link] managing cage

culture systems

[Link] site selection for cage culture

Topic 7: Tanks, Raceways and Pen Culture Systems

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students should be able to

 Describe the design criteria for tanks, raceways and pen culture systems
 Layout water inlet and outlets
 Choose appropriate designs
 Layout raceways
 Determine carrying capacity and flow rates

Key Terms

Tank, design criteria, oval tanks, tank bottom, pen, sublitoral, interdidal, enclosure, seabed, raceways, aeration,
carrying capacity, flow rates, waster removal, grading

Introduction

Tank aquaculture systems have been widely promoted over the recent years for the production and grow out of a
variety of aquaculture species, but in particular for the rearing of fingerlings and holding broodstock. The
systems are usually more capital intensive and therefore less suitable for large scale aquaculture production
systems. The effective use of land, the optimal use of water and other advances in technology, such as for re-
circulating systems, are making tank culture more and more effective.

Raceways are a form of flow-through culture units in which the water flows continuously, making a single pass
through the unit before discharge. The residence time of water in a aracewy is normally very short (15- 20
minutes) and such systems are thus water intensive. An abundant flow of good quality water is essential to
provide for the health of the fish and removal of wastes from the system.

A Pen is defined as “a fixed enclosure in which the bottom is the bed of the water body” (FAO, 1979). The word
‘pen’ used synonymous with ‘enclosure’ as it is used in enclosure culture. Therefore pens cannot be moved
about as in the case of cage. There is savings of material in the pen for the bottom material used is saved and
therefore the pen can be much bigger

7.1 Tank Culture Systems

Tanks can be manufactured from a variety of materials such as wood, concrete, metal, plastics, poli-ethylene,
PVC, fibre-glass etc and an infinite number of shapes and sizes to suite the specific needs of the species and
farming operation. The recommended characteristics for aquaculture tanks are as follows:
1) The interior surface should be smooth to prevent abrasion.
2) The surfaces should be nontoxic.
3) The tanks should be durable and portable,
4) should have long life,
5) ease of cleaning,
6) easy to sterilize.
7) It should be non-corrosive
8) affordable.

Tanks are commonly used for:

1) fry production
2) as temporary holding facilities for fingerlings, brood stock or
3) food fish ready for sale.
4) aquarium fish production
5) a public display aquaria.
Tanks are not routinely used for commercial food fish production. Production in ponds is considered to be more
economical and better suited for large scale fish production. Now it has become clear that tank culture has now
become more attractive because of the following factors;
1) Tanks are used in aquaculture research.
2) Ponds are expensive to build and maintain.
3) Experimental parameters are more easily controlled tanks than in ponds.
4) Tanks are made in large numbers by manufacturers, using different materials.

7.1.1 Tank design and construction

Materials used
Tanks are made from:
1) wood,
2) concrete,
3) plastic,
4) fiberglass,
5) metal,
6) glass.

Wooden tanks

 They are cheap

 Light in weight
 Easy to work with. Plywood may be used.
 Do not use treated wood because it may be toxic to fish.
 All surfaces should be painted to protect the wood.
 Do not use paints that have lead as this would leach into the water.
 The interior of the tank should be covered with non-toxic materials such as epoxy or fiberglass resin
paint.
 They cure in about 2 days, forming a hard and smooth surface.
 Water proof liners may also be used in wooden tanks.

Concrete Tanks

 Concrete is used for large tanks or pools.

 Tanks can also be made from gunite which is strong, durable, compact, but is more expensive than
liners.

Plastic Tanks
 Plastic includes polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)m acrylics,
and vinyl.
 Each one has its own bad and good qualities.

Advantage of plastic tanks include the following:

 it is light weight,
 portable,
 repairs are easier,
 can be made in various shapes and sizes,
 most are non-toxic.

Fiberglass is mostly chosen for aquaculture for tank construction because of the following factors:
 it is light weight,
 strong,
 durable,
 inert
 can withstand the effects of UV rays.
7.1.2 Physical Design Criteria

Although culture tanks can be manufactures into an infinite variety of shapes and sizes, some of the standard
design criteria should be taken into consideration:

SHAPE

(a) Circular Tanks

Circular tanks are most commonly used for nursery and grow out purposes, though rectangular, square and oval
tanks are also used. Circular tanks have better hydraulic characteristic, whilst square and rectangular tanks make
better use of surface area. The self cleaning action and oxygen distribution of circular tank hold specific
advantages with regard to efficient utilization of available water and optimal stocking densities.

The velocity, circulation and mixing of circular tanks are such that oxygen and food are better distributed and
water quality tend to be more uniform, often allowing for higher densities than other tank or rearing systems.
Increased velocity of circular tanks also cause increased energy requirements and oxygen consumption per unit
weight of fish that have accounted for during design and management.

(b) Square and Rectangular tanks

Square and rectangular tankns offer the advantage of efficient use of space. Layouts can also incorporate the use
of common wall between neighbouring tanks that can contribute to considerable savings on construction costs.
They have however the disadvantage that wastes tend to collect in the coners, whilst short-circuits and dead
spots tend to develop. The conrers of square or rectangular tanks are therefore often rounded to improve the
hydraulics and flow patterns.

© Oval tanks

Oval or D-ended tanks are relative new addition to tank culture and are an effort to combine the advantages of
circular tanks with regard to the efficient water use and self cleaning action with the space efficiency of
rectangular tanks. They are commnonly found in intensive indoor and outdoor systems, in particular in systems
where advance aeration technology are applied.

7.1.3 Water Inlet

The water inlet must at all times provide for control over the floe rate (L/sec) and velocity (cm/sec) of water.
The design must allow for the maintenance of flow patterns to maintain the self cleaning action of the tanks
through the continual movement of detritus and wastes to central drain. When required such as when using
underground or lowly saturated water sources, the inlet can also be designed to facilitate with aeration of inlet
water through the use of jets, diffusers or ventury-system. Inlets should also be designed to minimize the risk of
blockages and reduction in water flow. The main water supply should be screened and an adequate diameter for
the inlet pipe should be maintained.

When operating tanks with rapid turnover-time, care must be taken to maintain a proper balance between:
 Velocity and flow pattern
 The self cleaning function of the fish
 The energy requirements of the fish

Velocity must therefore be controlled in order to mainatanin an optimum balance in terms of circulation and
mixing of water and the energy and oxygen requirements of the fish. Velocity needs to be adapted according to
species and size of fish.

7.1.4 Water Outlet and Flow Patterns

Flow patterns are functions of water inlet and outlet deisgn. The deisgn inlet must therefore offer control over
both the flow rate, velocity and flow patterns within the tank. Care must be taken to ensure that no dead spots
occuer int ehe tanks due to short-cuts between inlet and outlet, particulary in rectangular tanks. Dead spots refer
to areas with low water replacement, resulting in low dissolved oxygen and an accumulation of wastes. The
behavior of fish may often cause fish to congest in certain areas of the pond such as shaded areas, corner, inlets
or outlets. This may even causea localized depletion of oxygen thay may even lead to mortality in severe cases.
Oxgyen must be distributed evenly throughout the tank to prevent fish from accumulation in preferred areas.
The water outlet must also make provision to regulate operating depth of the tanks.

7.1.5 Tank Bottom and Drainage

Flat or conical bottoms can be used. Sloping bottoms are more efficient in removing wastes. Adequate velocities
are required to maintain self cleaning in flat bottom tanks. When rectangular tanks are used the bottom should
slope from one end to the other, with the inlet and drain on the corresponding end. The slope in the tanks bottom
should not be excessive

The screen surface should be large enough to prevent unnecessary blockage, whilst the mesh size should ensure
that no fish can escape, though wastes must be allowed through. The screen design must also include an
overflow system in the event of a screen malfunction of total blockage. Flat screens are foten used with the
disadvantage of limited surface area and difficulty of cleaning. Horizontal slots in the screen offer more screen
area and better slef cleaning than round holes and are not easily clogged. The diameter of drain pipes should be
large enough to facilitate quick drainage.

7.1.6 Harvesting

Removal of fish from large circular tanks may be difficult without proper equipment. Screens or grader bars that
rotate around the center standpipe may facilitate easy crowding of sih into small area from where they can be
netted. Seine nets are more often used to harvest fish from circular tanks. Harvesting id however more
complicated that in the case of raceways or rectangular tanks.

The Advantages of Tank Systems

 Efficient use of space

 Efficient use of water
 Low maintenance
 Good self cleaning action
 Good visibility
 Flexibility of design
 Flexibility of application

7.2 Raceway culture system

Raceways are culture units, mostly made of concrete, in which water flows in and out continuously. These
culture units are also known as flow-through culture systems. They are given that name because of the way
water is supplied and evacuated. Water stays in the raceway for a short time, mainly within minutes, and this is a
system that cannot be fertilized or manured as is done in earthen ponds. The culture of fish in raceways has
advantages as follows:

1. Environmental parameters such as temperature and water quality and water quantity are managed more
easily than in earthen ponds.
2. Water that flows into raceways flushes out some metabolites such as un-ionized ammonia and carbon
dioxide which if allowed to accumulate could be injurious to the cultured organisms.
3. Fish raised in raceways are subjected to continuous movement of water and in their attempt to
overcome this pressure of water, they also continuously exercise.
 4. Water in raceways is shallow and this allows the operator of the aqua-farm to observe the behavior of
his fish.
5. It will also be easier to notice if the fish have been attacked by parasites, or are showing signs of stress
due to disease infections.
6. Compared to fish in earthen ponds, the fish raised in raceways are easier to feed and harvest. This is a
positive attribute for the farmer only, but could be a detrimental factor, because thieves could capitalize
on this and steal the fish easily. Raceways usually hold fish at very high densities, predisposing them to
disease infection. The fish may be easily attacked because at high density, they are easily stressed.
Efficient operation of raceways in aquaculture needs very high level of management.

7.2.1 Sites for raceways

While most raceways are made of concrete, there are also earthen raceways. The selection of site for the
construction of earthen raceways should be done with great care. Raceways demand a lot of water, so if the
water is inadequate at the site, raceways may not be successfully operated. In some countries, raceways are
supplied with water from mountain streams, which provide a continuous water inflow into the raceways.
Springs are also used as sources of water for raceways as long as this spring water is adequate for the purpose.
Mountain streams usually contain cool water and this will determine the type of fish species to be raised in the
raceways. Not all water fed into raceways will be suitable for the fish being cultured, so this water may also be
treated wherever necessary. Treatment may take a number of from: sedimentation, aeration, heating/cooling,
degassing, disinfection, or filtration. If such water is to be used for the culture of larvae in the hatchery system,
the application or treatment with UV light nay be required to kill any available microbes which would attack the
larvae in their culture units. If the outflowing water has accumulated a lot of metabolic wastes, these should not
be allowed to be discharged into the environment as they are. The outflowing water should therefore be treated.

7.2.2 Aeration and Water Treatment

Water quality tends to degrade along the axis of the raceway and aeration is often required to maintain optimal
levels of dissolved oxygen. Aeration is often required at the changeover of water from the one system to the
next. Parallel systems do not suffer these disadvantages, but require a much larger quantity of water. Cascade
aeration has the advantage of reliability and low operating and maintenance costs. The influence of the cascades
on the behavior of the cultured species should be taken into consideration. For example Salmon and Trout
would be stimulated to conglomerate in the area of the cascade which may also stimulate the behavior of
jumping upstream against the incoming water. Such behavior will lead to an uneven distribution of fish in the
raceway, waste of energy and even injury to the fish.

Other methods of mechanical aeration can also be used, either within the raceway or at the changeover between
raceways. This is often used in a series-arrangement of raceways on level ground where cascades cannot be
incorporated.

Various options exist for the treatment of water within a raceway system. Water treatment may be required for
different reasons such as;

1. Pre-treatment: Particularly when underground, re-circulated water or water low in oxygen is used as the
primary water source.
2. Aeration: When low levels of dissolved oxygen develop within the system due to factors such as high
stocking density, low flow, high temperatures etc.
3. Post treatment: Required in order to meet effluent quality standards and also in the case of water re-
circulation. Aeration often forms part of post treatment systems. Other methods include sedimentation,
heating/cooling, degassing, disinfection, or filtration.

7.2.3 Raceway Arrangement and Layout

Raceway units are either designed in series or in parallel. Certain conditions may favor the choice of any one of
these arrangement. Where there is adequate slope, a series arrangement would be applicable since the water
exiting one raceways would be able to flow into the next raceway up to the last unit. This arrangement, however
has its own disadvantages. If fish in the first raceway have been infested by parasites, these would be transferred
to all raceways downstream and cause environmental havoc to the stock. This applies to accumulation of wastes
which would be increasing as the water flows from the top raceway downstream to the one at the lowest point.
There would also oxygenation problems as one moves from the first (topmost) raceway to the last (downstream)
raceway. This accumulation of organic matter would also effectively lower the concentration of dissolved
oxygen. This problem can be avoided by using the parallel raceway arrangement. In this case, each raceway
would receive water diurectly from source and would be of the same quality in each raceway. The problem of
parallel arrangement is that more water should be available to supply each raceway independent of another.
Raceways will not share the water in this case. If water is inadequate and pumping the water becomes an option
it may turn out to be an expensive operation. In the North America, raceways in series arrangement may be
supplied with water from a large pond which also receives out-flowing water from the raceways. The big pond
therefore serves as a sink for waste deposition. Pumping of water from a conservation dam, therefore, becomes
necessary.

7.2.4 Materials for raceway construction

Most raceways are made of concrete or cement blocks. Smaller raceways may be made of wood, metal,
fiberglass, plastic or other materials. Earthen raceways are sometimes lined with plastic sheeting material to
reduce water losses through infiltration or seepage.

7.2.5 Carrying Capacity and Flow Rates

This section will be dominated by calculations. The number (mass) of aquatic animals (fish) that a raceway can
hold will be affected by several factors:
1. Water quality considerations
2. Management skills
3. Biology of the species and their tolerance to crowded conditions
4. Other specific conditions such as health status, size, age etc.

In the design of raceways special terminology and calculations are used as follows:

Formula 1:

Volumetric density (kg/m3) = Mass of animal (kg)/ Volume of rearing unit (m3)

Example: A culture unit, `with a water volume (volume of rearing unit) of 10,000 m 3, and holding 100,000 fish
(mass of animals) will show a volumetric density of 10 fish/m3. If the mass is given in Kg, such as 5,000 Kg
fish, then volumetric density shall be: 0.5 Kg fish /m3.

Formula 2:

Arial density (kg/m2) =`Mass of animals (kg)/Area of rearing unit (m2)

Example: A culture unit has an area of 30,000 m2 and is holding 60,000 fish. Areal density will be: 60,000
fish/30,000 m2 = 2 fish /m2.

Formula 3:

Loading (kg/L/min) = Mass of animals (kg)/flow through rearing unit (l/min)

Exchange rate (no/hr) = Flow through rearing unit(m3/hr)/Volume of rearing unit(m3)

Loading

L=D x 0.06/R.

Where
L = loading rate, kg/L/min;
 D = fish density, kg/m3;
R = number of water exchanges/hour.

Flow-Space relationship

In flow-through systems, there are two aspects of fish carrying capacity:

1) Loading is based on flow, while density is related to space. Loading capacity depends on water quality such
as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, fish species and size. Density is generally a function of fish species, fish
size, type and hydraulics of the rearing container. Recommendation for trout culture shows that its density
(kg/m3) should not exceed 3.16 times the length of the fish.

Example: If the average weight of fish being stocked is 8.0 cm, then its stocking density should be about 30.0
kg/m3 for fish that are 8.5 cm in total length.

The allowable loading based on dissolved oxygen supply as a limiting factor, is expressed as:

Loxy = DO avail/2.0x%BW

Where:
Loxy = loading level based on oxygen control (kg fish/L/min).
DOavail = dissolved oxygen available to the fish (oxygen differential between inlet and outlet, mg/L;

%BW = the daily feeding rate based on body weight of fish in the system expressed as a whole
number. If feeding is based on a 24-hour day, then the equation would change to:

Loxy=1.44 x DOavail/2.0 x % BW

The allowable loading based on un-ionized ammonia criteria would be:

LNH3 = UAallow x 1000/DOavail x %UA

Where:
LNH3 = allowable fish loading based on un-ionized ammonia control (kg/L/min)
UAallow = allowable or upper design limit for un-ionized ammonia level (mg/L)
%UA = the percentage of the total ammonia nitrogen that is in the un-ionized form (temperature-and
pH-dependent). Workers have used various figures for UA such as 0.01 or 0.02mg/L.

This value represents UAallow in the above formula. When an allowable un-ionized ammonia value of
0.02mg/L is used, then the formula would be:

LNH3 = 20/DOavail x % UA

Required Flow Rate

After calculating allowable loading rate based on dissolved oxygen and un-ionized ammonia control, the smaller
of the two values should be used to determine the water flow rate required to support the weight of fish desired
to be held in the system.

Q = Fish weight/(Loxy)(LNH3) (2-0)

Where:

Q = required water flow rate; L/min

Number of Uses

The number of times that water can be reused is calculated as follows

Number of uses = 40 x % BW/ (DOavail) 2 x %UA

Hydraulic Retention Time

The hydraulic retention time, or the time that a given volume of water is in the raceway, is calculated as follows:

T = V/Q (2-2)

where:

T = retention time (min)

V = raceway volume (m3)
Q = flow rate (m3/min).

Raceway Length

The raceway, or rearing unit, length is calculated based on the water exchange rate R and the minimum required
average velocity Vmin for the raceway:

Lr = 36 x Vmin/R

where:
Lr = raceway length in meters
Vmin = minimum required average velocity (cm/sec).

An allowable Vmin of 3cm/sec and a low exchange rate of one per hour (R=1) will result in an excessively long
rearing unit.

For example, if we use Vmin=3 and R=q1, a raceway length of 108 meters would be found, and this would be
too long for a raceway since standard raceway lengths range from 9-31meters.

Raceway Velocity and Geometry

The minimum raceway velocity required for cleaning can be calculated using the following equation:

Vmin = Vclean=0.5d0.444 (G-1)0.5

Where:
Vclean = cleaning velocity (m/sec)
G = specific gravity of material
D = particle diameter (mm)

This expression was developed for materials having specific gravity range from 1.83-2.64.

This cleaning velocity will take care of feed remains and faecal material. Specific gravity of faecal material
from fish has to be calculated, but values are already available for some fish.

Faecal material from fish fed on Salmonids diets has a specific gravity of about 1.19. Minimum velocities for
several materials range from 2.4-3.7 (feed/faeces); 0.9 (silt); 4.0 (fine sand).

A Vclean value of 3cm/sec is adequately low to settle solids, yet fast enough to give good raceway hydraulics
which is necessary for preventing stagnant (low DO) spots from developing, and this would result in a healthier
rearing environment.

Average velocity of flow in a raceway can be calculated using the equations for open channel flow. The average
velocity, Vaver can be calculated using the following Manning’s equation:

Q =AV=A-R2/3 S1/2
N
Where:
V = velocity, m/sec
R = hydraulic radius
S = slope, m/m
N = Manning’s roughness coefficient, dimensionless.

Having calculated the average velocity the channel cross sectional area can be calculated from the continuity
equation since the water flow rate (m3/sec) is determined by the fish requirements:

Q=AxV

The average velocity, Vaver must be compared to the minimum raceway velocity required for cleaning Vmin. If
the two values are too far apart, then use 3cm/sec for Vmin. And calculate a new raceway cross sectional area
that will satisfy the given conditions of velocity and flow rate. It becomes obvious that open channel design
procedures cannot always be used to design fish production raceways. Often the design velocity may be
sufficiently fast enough for cleaning and slow enough to not fatigue the fish, but will require an unusually large
cross sectional area. For this reason, raceways do not work properly for fish production, and may use round
tanks since the hydraulics are much simpler.

The majority of raceways for fish production are constructed from concrete. So the raceway cross section can be
either square or rectangular in shape with vertical side slopes. For raceways with vertical side slopes, the best
hydraulic cross section occurs when the base width is twice the water depth.

B = 2h
where
b = raceway bottom width
h = water depth.
Earthen raceways have a trapezoidal cross section. The bottom width providing the best hydraulic cross section
is given in the equation below:
0
B = 2htan ( - )
2
Where:
0 = side slope angle which for vertical channels it is 90o.

For raceways cut into the earth allowable side slopes may range from 0.5:1 to 2:1 depending on soil type. 0.5:1
is for peat and muck type of soils while 2:1 is for loose sand. It will be 1:1 for heavy clay soils.

7.2.6 Harvesting raceways

Easy harvesting is one of the outstanding attributes of raceways. A seine net is pulled from one end of the
raceway to another. Automated harvesting screens or grader bars may also be used by moving them on tracks.
Grader bars are designed to select bigger fish and leave smaller ones in the raceway to grow bigger. Harvesting
should not stress the fish.

7.2.7 Special types of raceways

The silo or vertical raceway should also be mentioned because it is used in North America. This silo is a deep
tank, with water entering at the bottom and exiting at the top. Water may also be pumped downwards centrally,
and flows vertically upwards through the unit to discharge the water into a trough constructed around the tank
perimeter at the top. Some silos are partly buried into the ground. Water may also enter through a side wall of
the culture unit instead of coming from the top. A silo 5 m high and 2.3 m in diameter with a flow-through rate
of 28.4L/sec is capable of supporting 2,800 kg of trout.

7.3 Pen Culture (Enclosure Culture) Systems

Introduction
Pen culture is possible only in the following three zones with natural bottom as the limit of the lower side of the
enclosure:

 Intertidal,
 Sublittoral
 Seabed

Enclosure of pens is restricted to shallow area adjacent to the shore. The pen or enclosure may be;

 Completely enclosed on all four sides in the middle of a bay, with no foreshore or
 A shore enclosure with a foreshore extending to deep water surrounded by a net structure
 A bay or loch enclosure with an embankment or net structure only at the entrance.

7.3.1 Distribution of Pen Culture in the World:

Europe has long history of pen culture. In Asia the following countries are reported as having pen culture in an
operational stage, freshwater - Philippines and Thailand, while India and Thailand operate in Marine
environment.

Egypt operates pen culture in freshwater. Pen culture in fresh water is relatively less popular, but for the single
exception of Laguna Lake milkfish culture of Philippines. Successful pen culture operations exist in Ivory Coast
and in Benin Republic.

7.3.2 Pen culture of Milkfish in Philippines:

The pen culture of milkfish (Chanos chanos) is the most important fresh water pen culture in the world. It began
in 1968 as an experimental venture of the Philippine Bureau of fisheries and Aquatic resources in the fresh
water lake, Laguna de Bay -there is a slight balimo incursion into the ‘Bay’ but it is largely fresh water). In 1970
the Laguna Lake Development Authority introduced a 40 hectare pilot commercial scale fish pen project and
demonstrated that yield per hectare in the pens was 4 – 10 times higher than the natural production of the lake
and thus a new industry was born. In two years private operators cultivated 200 ha of Laguna Bay under pen and
by 1973 the expanded 993 pens extending over 5,000ha but the further expanded fishery was affected by
typhoon damage, a frequent problem in Philippines. Pen sizes vary from 1 to 100 hactares depending on the
resources and interest of the operator, the majority being of 10 – 50 hectares. The pens are made using the
locally abundant bamboo poles forming split bamboo screens (Pongkol). Depth of water in pens average 1.5m.

The pen culture of milkfish has yielded production of about 4,000kg/ha (average), without supplementary
feeding. Total milkfish production from fish pen in 1975 was 25,000 tons. The pen culture in 1979 (after
typhoon damage) was about 3,000ha and the yield about 16,000 tons annually i.e. 16–20 percent of the total
milkfish production in the country. The Laguna Lake Development Authority has claimed that the lake fish pen
industry can grow to 15,000 hectares, and a yield projection of 80,000 tons annually (FAO).

7.3.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Pen Culture:

The advantages and disadvantages of pen culture are in some cases common as those for cage culture.
Obviously the pens are much larger and are stationery as their walls are fixed. It also appears that in large pens
the culture will be less intensive; even though small pens can vie with the cages in this respect. The mobility of
the cage is its most definite advantage over the pen, but the later has the benefit that there can be interchange
between the organisms within, with the natural bottom - at times of an inclement condition in the bottom the pen
is decidedly difficult. Let us now enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of pen culture.

Advantages:

i. Intensive utilization of space: As we have mentioned the requirement of a pen can be small (a few
square metres) or large (over 100ha in the case of the largest milkfish pen), but in all cases the space
given is intensively utilized. Even in the large milk fish pens utilize space intensively and their
production is 4 – 10 times higher than the natural production.
 ii. Safety from predators: Within the enclosure the predators can be excluded. Before stocking the
predators will have to be removed; in the larger pens this would be more difficult, but in smaller pens
this can be done as efficiently as in the cages.
iii. Suitability for culturing many varied species: Under artificial culture provided suitable environmental
conditions are maintained, with artificial feeds, many varieties of species can be cultured as in the cage.
iv. Ease of harvest: Even though in the large pens the harvest may not be aseasy as in the cages, it would
be definitely more controllable and easier than in the natural waters.
v. The flexibility of size and economy: When compared with the cage, pens can be made much larger and
construction costs will be cheaper than that of the cages.
vi. Availability of natural food and exchange of materials with the bottom: Since, as pointed out earlier,
the bottom of the pen is the natural bottom, unlike the cage which kept either on the bottom or floating,
has always a netting/ screen seperating the cage from bottom; the pen culture organisms are at an
advantage that while enclosed they can procure food/exchange materials.

Disadvantages:

i. High demand of oxygen and water flow: Since the fish cultured are stocked in high density they deplete
oxygen very fast and a good flow of water through the pen either by natural means or artificially by
pumping is demanded for healthy and fast growing fishes.
ii. Dependence on artificial feed: Since high density (biomass) is to be sustained in a restricted area, for
high production artificial feeding is necessary, increasing the cost of production.
iii. Food losses: Part of the feed is likely to be lost uneaten, and drifted away in the current, but the loss
here would be less than in floating cages.
iv. Pollution: Since a large biomass of fish are cultured intensively a large quantity of excrements
accumulate in the area and cause a high POD - also substances such as ammonia and other excreted
materials, if not immediately removed/ recycled. They pollute the water and cause damages.
v. Rapid spread of diseases: For the same reason of high stocking density in an enclosed area, any disease
beginning will spread very quickly and can cause immense mortality of stock and production decline.
vi. Risk of theft: Since the fish are kept in an enclosed area, ‘poaching’ and thefts can take place more
frequently than in natural waters, but perhaps less than those from cages.
vii. Conflict with multiple use of natural waters: In locations where a pen is constructed to the requirement
of higher water level for eg. in a lake/reservour, would be against the interest, for eg. for irrigation
water supply; enclosures can interfere with navigational routes and also with recreational activities,
such as swimming, boating etc.

7.3.4 Types of Pens - Design and Construction

There are 3 categories of pens with regard to design and construction of pens as follows;

1. Rigid pens
a. Embanked pens
b. Net enclosures
2. Flexible pens (netting)
3. Outer barrier nets.

Rigid enclosures

Embanked Pens

Intertidal enclosures such as those at Adoike in the Inland Sea in Japan and Ardtoe in Britain are examples of
rigid enclosures which have stone-pitched or concrete walls as embankments. Since such embankments are
costly, such intertidal enclosures are not being built lately.
Figure 1. Cross section of rockfill dam at Artdoe (from Milne, 1979)

Figure 2. Piled net barrier at Hitsuiski Japan showing cross section - restraining anchor blocks and weighted
meshnet are shown (after Milne, 1979a)

All embankments have sluices to allow water circulation Embanked pens are constructed in the sublittoral area
also.

Net Enclosures

As an example, the net enclosures of the yellow-tail fish farm at Megishima (Japan) 3 piled - net barriers are
built more or less in concentric positions - overlapping one [Link] has advantages in that there is saving in
net materials when more area is brought within the enclosure.

Predator control

When fish are stocked at high density predators such as sea birds and others are attracted. To avoid this surface
covers of galvanized weldmesh are provided at catwalk level. The surface covers can be 51mm spacing net and
hinged at the centre of the enclosure enabling easy ascess.

7.3.5 Milk fish pen - bamboo poles and net

Design and construction
In designing the fish pen structure, effects of three forces, namely, wind, waves and drifting water hyacinth
(Eicchornia) have to be considered. The wind force acting on the fish pen can be calculated from the wind
pressure and the surface areas on which the wind acts.

Fig. 8a. Osland enclosure - plan view

Fig. 8b. Elevation view of netting fixed on piles.

Figure 3. Net enclosure (after Milne, 1979a)

Compared to the wave action, which is based on the wind, on the pond dykes (levees) the wave action on fish
pen structures on the lake pens in said to be the minimal. However, the waves cause a “sail affect” on the pen
structures causing the nets to drag away from the pen. Major damage can be done by drifting water hyacinth
mass (1–5 hectares spread on occasions). A single water hyacinth plant can weigh 10kg and occupy an area of
0.10m2. A hectare of water hyacinth formed by the wind can hit the fish pen in a force equivalent to 15 tons.

7.3.6 Flexible Enclosures

Most of the buoyed fish net enclosures known are bag nets with a bottom net - as per our definition this
enclosure is a ‘cage’ (and not a pen/enclosure) even if the bottom net may rest on the floor. Such enclosures are
limited in their size - the largest being of 55m diameter in Japan.

In fabricating the flexible enclosure care must be taken to make use of locally available simple materials (eg.
Bamboo mat replacement), even though Japanese 9.5mm (3/8") nylon net, which has antifouling properties and
long life as opposed to the one-year life Philippine nylon net, are commonly used. Concrete block sinkers
weighing 500kg are spaced 30m apart and are placed from a boat and a chain link raiser chain was provided
from the sinker for attachment to the net to allow settlement in the soft sediment. The average depth of Laguna
de Bay varied from 3 to 5m and therefore a 7.5m height of net was chosen to allow billowing due to water
current and wave motion. In the case of the bamboo pen the fencing stretched above water surface to prevent
fish from jumping, but in the present net, a 2.5m horizontal flap was provided on top with float, which
effectively prevented fish jumps and also helped as a fish seal when water level rose unprecedented, for the top
floats help adjust the stretching of the net into a vertical wall.

A lattice work of nylon ropes, at 10m × 2.5, crosses, from the top net down to the sinkers was provided to
spread the load of the forec ‘due to water movement and wave action’. In the construction the only Underwater
work involved is the attachment of the chainlink risers to the chain link foot rope-all the others, the lattice work
of nylon ropes, nylon netting and chain link foot ropes can be assembled on the shore and connected to
previously placed buoys and sinkers, as explained by Milne (1979).
Fig. 9. A milkfish pen, showing nursery, rearing area and warehouse.

Fig. 11a. Framing arrangement in traditional milkfish pen - Poles with single bracing.
Fig. 11b. Framing arrangement in milkfish pens - double bracing, edge view (left) and double enclosures (right)

Fig. 12. Design of a fish pen wall as defined by LLDA (from Alferez, 1982)
Fig. 13. Details of pen enclosure net (from Alferez)
Fig. 14. Floating fish net barrier for milkfish farming (from Milne, 1979)

The advantages are:

1. There is no need for allowances for wind forces on the exposed section of netting and structures,
especially useful in typhoon-affected areas.
2. Ease of access of boats, since no boat locks are required and smooth bottom boats may alide over the
net barrier and the engine propeller can be lifted clear or shielded (see also boat lock described earlier).

Learning Activities

 Review of literature on advances in tank, raceway and pen culture systems

 Discussions following a video presentation on tanks, raceway and pen culture systems in Asia. (FAO
documentary)
 Assignments on determination of carrying capacity, flow rates and stocking density in tanks

Summary of Topic

The three most basic categories of culture systems are open systems, semi-closed and closed systems. Raceways
are part of the design of both semi-closed and closed systems. Tank aquaculture systems have been widely
promoted over recent years for the production and grow out of a variety of aquaculture systems.

The main characteristics of tanks are smooth interior surface, not toxic surface, durable and portable, ease of
cleaning and are affordable. The design criteria for tank systems put into consideration shape, water inlets, water
outlets, tank bottoms and drainage. The advantages of tank culture systems include efficient use of space,
efficient use of water, low maintenance, good self cleaning action, good visibility and flexibility of design.

The three most basic categories of culture systems are open system, semi-closed, and closed systems. Raceways
may be part of the design of both semi-closed and closed systems. Raceways area form of flow-through culture
units in which the water flows continuously, making a single pass through the unit before exchange. Advantages
of raceways include easy management, self cleaning action, exercise to the fish, good visual evaluation, easy
handling and efficient use of space. Carrying capacity of raceways depends upon water quality considerations,
management skills, species biology and specific conditions. The design criteria for raceways will depend on
volumetric density, aerial density, loading, exchange rate, and required flow rate, number of uses, hydraulic
retention time, and raceway length and raceway velocity.

Further Reading Materials

Muir, J.F. (Year). Aquaculture Systems: Process, Engineering and Development. Fishing News Books,
Blackwell Science LTD.

Southgate, P. and Lucas, J. (Year). Aquaculture: Fish and Shellfish Farming. Fishing News Books, Blackwell
Science LTD.

Stickney, R.R. (1994). Principles of Aquaculture. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Thomas, B. L. (1995). Fundamentals of Aquaculture Engineering. Chapman & Hall, New York.

Upadhyay, A.S.(1994). Handbook on Design, Construction and Equipments in Coastal Aquaculture (Shrimp
Farming).Allied Publishers, Bombay.

Wheaton, F. W. (1987). Aquacultural Engineering. John Wiley and Sons, New York.

Useful Links
[Link] 13 deign and construction of raceways and other flow
through systems
Topic 8: Waste production and filtration of water in Aquaculture

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this topic the learners should be able to:
1 Identify different types of wastes generated in aquaculture

2 Discuss design philosophy of recirculating aquaculture system

3 Select suitable filtration system for aquaculture

Key Terms
Biofiltration, carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (cBOD5); eutrophication , recirculating aquaculture
Systems.
Introduction
Factors such as limitations in water quality and quantity, cost of land, limitations on water discharges,
environmental impacts and diseases, are driving the aquaculture industry toward more intensive practices.
Recirculating systems, with a biofilter as the most prominent characteristic, treat internally the water
contaminated with dissolved organics and ammonia and reduce the amount of water use and discharge from
aquaculture operations and therefore reduce impact of pond effluent on the environment.

2.1 Waste Production from Aquaculture

Davidson at al. (2008), summarized three major types of wastes from aquaculture operations to consist of: (1)
organic matter which is measured as a 5 day carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (cBOD 5); (2) nutrient
such as nitrogen and phosphorous and; (3) solids that are usually measured as total suspended solids (TSS).
Most of the wastes discharged from aquaculture farms such as phosphorus, cBOD5, organic nitrogen, and TSS
are filterable or settleable solids e.g. uneaten feed, fecal matter.
The quantity of wastes varies with culture systems and intensification. The culture systems with increasingly
intensive use of inputs such as water, feeds, seed have wastes that are concentrated in nutrients and can pollute
the environment when discharged. Quality and quantity of pond waste water depend on feeding level, feed
composition, feed digestibility, and utilization of digested feed.

2.1.1 Impact of pond effluents on receiving waters:

Intensification of aquaculture implies increase in feed inputs, waste material including organic matter, nutrients
and suspended solids in the pond systems and when such water are discharged, they consequently impact on
oxygen depletion, eutrophication and turbidity in the receiving waters when discharged (Lin and Yi, 2003).
Effluents containing concentrated phytoplankton and nutrients are unsuitable to irrigate rice fields because of
unbalanced N: P ratios (high nitrogen content) which can cause fruiting failure in the rice (Yi et al., 2003). The
effect of pond effluents on receiving water has been summarized as follows (Phillips et al., 1993);
 The pond effluents tend to have low concentrations of dissolved oxygen and high levels of biological
oxygen demand and this leads to decrease in dissolved oxygen concentrations of the receiving water.
 Hyper-nitrification of the pond effluents leads to an increase in primary productivity leading to growth
limitations of phytoplankton and other aquatic plants. Consequently this leads to alteration in overall
community structure and increase risks of plankton bloom.
 Suspended solids in the pond effluent cause increased sedimentation rates leading to siltation of
receiving water. This leads to alteration in structure of benthic community in the receiving waters.

2.2 Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Management and treatment of pond effluents may pose some difficulties because in general they tend
to have low concentrations of pollutants, while most of the conventional treatment systems are designed for
higher concentrations of pollutants (Boyd, 1994).

2.2.1 Design Philosophy of a water Recirculation System

In order to control water quality in culture tanks of a recirculating system, the design of flow rates and
water treatment units is based on the peak waste production (Eding et al., 2006). One of the major objectives
of water treatment in recirculating systems is the control of concentrations of ammonium, biodegradable organic
matter and suspended solids (Muir, 1982).
2.2.2 Components of a recirculating aquaculture system:
Lawson (1995) described the main components of a generic recirculating system comprising of primary
clarification, biological filtration and secondary clarification as follows (Table 1);
 Primary Clarifier: This is a process of solids removal and is done by screening the solids or
sedimentation or granular media filtration or a combination. Solid waste can contain 70% of the
nitrogen load in the system and if such nitrogen load enters the system, can cause several problems
such as clogging the biofilter, resulting in low water flow through the filter or causing the nitrifying
bacteria to die from lack of oxygen.
 Biological filtration: Biological filters are used for nitrogen removal i.e. ammonia and nitrite.
 Secondary clarification: This removes the biological floc that remains suspended in the water. This
could be done by screening or sedimentation.
 Aeration: This is important because it does replace oxygen in the system and normally done by use of a
pump.

Table 1. Physical, chemical and biological processes used to purify water for recycling.

Physical Chemical Biological

Screening Aeration Nitrification
Settling Pure oxygen injection Denitrification
Sand filtration Alkalinity and hardness control
DE filtration Carbon adsorption
Centrifuging pH control
Temperature control Reverse osmosis
UV sterilization Degassing
Cartridge filtration Foam fractionation
Bag filtration Ion exchange
Ozonation
Source: (Lawson, 1995)

2.3 Biofilters
Several authors have defined “biofilter”, which basically is the surface on which bacteria grow, while
growing, the bacteria would convert toxic ammonia produced by fish and feed to much less toxic nitrate.
(Lawson, 1995).

2.3.1 Factors that affect biofilter performance:

Community of bacteria in terms of quantity and bacteria composition affects efficiency of biofilters
(Ding et al., 2008). Biofilter design considerations include the following; the physical size of the filter, media
characteristics (type, density, size, and specific surface area), water flow rates, and specific loading rates (Colt et
al., 2006). The following factors will promote establishment of bacteria communities and this affect biofiltration
efficiency interms of removal or oxidation of ammonia to nitrate (Jun and Wenfeng, 2009);
 pH: The bacteria would not adapt to rapid changes in pH. Nitrification efficiency decreases with rapid
increase or decrease in pH. The minimum pH requirements for development of Nitrosomonous and
Nitrobacter was reported to be 6.5-7.0.
 Alkalinity: This is the buffering capacity of the system. The process of nitrification forms acid and
lowers the pH. Therefore the system needs to have sufficient buffer to avoid further decrease in pH.
Boyd (1982) recommended a minimum alkalinity of 20 mg L-1 as CaCO3.
 Ammonia and Nitrite: High concentrations of ammonia and nitrite are toxic to nitrifying bacteria.
Ammonia concentrations above 10-150 mg L -1 inhibits nitrosomonas while nitrobacteria is inhibited
at concentrations between 0.1 and 1.0 mg L-1 (Lawson, 1995).
 Oxygen: The rate of nitrification decreases with decrease in concentration of oxygen. Biofilter effluent
should contain a minimum of 2 mg L-1 (Lawson, 1995).
 Solids: Solids can clog the system components resulting in reduced flow rate, head loss and other
related problems such as shielding disease organisms.
 Salinity: Freshwater bacteria would not function under marine environments and vice versa.
 Physical Factors: These include temperature. (Link eq.1 relationship between temperature and
ammonia removal)
2.3.2 Types of Biofilter Systems:
Four different types of biofilters have been described as follows ( Sandu et al., 2002);
1. Submerged-bed biofilters: These have fixed medium constantly under water. The biofilter medium
used include gravel, oyster shell, solid plastic beads, extruded plastic rings, plastic screening.
2. Trickling filters: The design for trickling filters is similar to that of submerged down flow filters. The
trickling filter is elevated and has an open bottom and water cascades over the medium in a thin film.
Trickling filter can remove 23-52% of ammonia.
3. Rotating Disk: In this system the substrate for the nitrifying bacteria consists of a series of parallel
circular plates, which are mounted on a shaft with a small gap between them. The disks are partially
submerged and rotated on the shaft, using either a low-speed gear motor or a paddlewheel driven by
the water flow.
4. Fluidized Bed: In this system water enters the bottom of a cylinder with a velocity to expand the
medium. Graded sand is one of the more common substrates used in fluidized bed filters; however,
because of its density, a considerable amount of water is required to make it expand.

2.4 Sterilization and disinfection

Sterilization is the destruction of all organisms both harmful and and beneficial. It is used more for treating nets,
boots, seines, and other gear that may easily transmit infectious organisms. In addition, it is a good idea to
sterilize culture units before putting fish in or after a disease incident. Disinfection is the technique of selectively
controlling organisms that enter aquaculture systems. In-line disinfection is commonly used in recirculating
culture culture systems as a separate water treatment.

2.4.1 Ozonation
Ozone, an allotrophic form of oxygen (O3) has been used to treat waste water. For more than 70 years because
of its ability to reduce color, taste, and smell. It is an unstable blue gas with a readily identifiable odor. The rate
that O3 degrades back to O2 increases with temperature. Since O3 is unstable, it is made when and where it is
needed. Ozone generators produce O3 by passing O2 or dry air through a high-voltage (4,000 -30,000 volts)
corona between two electrodes. Ozone works as a disinfectant because it is a powerful oxidizing agent. Ozone
may react with some plastics but not with glass and porcelain. It is an excellent virucide and works well as a
bactericide by disintegrating bacterial cell walls. Although O3 is more soluble in water than O2, it is still much
less soluble than chlorine. Saturation at 20oC is about 570mg O3/l of water. It reacts with water.
The HO2 and HO oxidation reactions may be:
1. Inorganic, including conversion of sulfides and sulfites to sulfates; nitrites to nitrates; chlorides to
chlorine; and ferrous and manganous ions to too their insoluble ionic forms resulting in precipitates.
2. Organic, rupturing compounds at unsaturated bonds and destroying humic acids, pesticidesm phenols
and other compounds.

2.4.2 Degree of removal

The term percentage removal of actual microorganisms is iused in environmental engineering. In
microbiological terms, log10 removal or inactivation (decimal removal) is used to define the disinfection yield;
normally a reduction of between 99 and 99.99% of the total number of bacteria is wanted, which corresponds to
a log disinfection of 2-4. These terms however, do not give exact values of the number of micro-organisms left;
they only indicate by how much numbers are reduced from the starting concentration.
Example 1.
The normal concentration of bacteria is 107/ml and a reduction of 99.9% is required. Find the concentration of
bacteria present after disinfection.
Solution:
Concentration of bacteria =107 (1-0.999)
after infection =10,000,000-9,999,000
= 10,000
=104/ml

Example 2.
The starting concentration of bacteria is 107/ml. A log disinfection of 3 is wanted. Calculate the new
concentration of bacteria.
Solution:
Let the starting concentration be N1 and the end concentration be N2; log(disinfection) =3.
log(disinfection) =log(N1/N2)
 =logN1-logN2
logN2=logN1-log (disinfection)
7-3
=4
N2=104/ml

2.4.3 Chick’s law

Inactivation of macro-organisms in a disinfection plant depends on the time that the micro-organisms are
exposed to the disinfectant. This is described by Chick’s law.
dn/dt=kN
where:
dn/dr = necessary time to inactivate n micro-organisms;
k = time constant depending on disinfectant, type of micro-organism and water quality;
N=number of live micro-organisms
t = time.
The differential equation can be integrated within limits to give the following equation:
N1=Noe-kt
Production: 1) heat; 2) chlorination; 3) ultraviolet irradiation and 4) ozone. The effectiveness of a given
disinfecting agent or method depends on concentration used, contact time, temperature, turbidity, particulate
concentration, and characteristics of the target organism.
Heat
Heat in the form of steam or elevated culture water temperature are two options available. Small steam
generators are commonly used to sterilize boots, nets, seines, tanks, sumps and other equipment that contact
fish, anmd are common avenues of infection. Water can also be disinfected by elevating its temperature. The
percent kill of microorganisms will depend on: final temperature, holding time, and the target species. The cost
of heating and cooling water can often preclude its use for disinfection purposes.
Chlorine

Chlorine is probably the cheapest and most readily available. It is used in the form of either chlorine gas (Cl2),
calcium hypochlorite ((Ca(OCl)2) or sodium hypochlorite (Na(OCl)). The active disinfecting agent is either the
hypochlorite ion (OCl-), or hypochlorous acid (HOCl). These species exist in a pH-dependent equilibrium.

Learning Activities
2. Assignment: Experiment to evaluate effect of biofilter media on ammonia removal. The report to be
submitted after 8 weeks. (Link…. Details of the experiment treatments)

Summary of Topic
This topic covered how wastes are generated in aquaculture and briefly introduced the design philosophy of re-
circulating aquaculture systems. Physical, chemical and biological processes used to purify water for recycling
were discussed. Biofiltration of water using different types of biofilter systems was presented.

Further Reading Materials

Jun, Y., and X. Wenfeng. 2009. Ammonia biofiltration and community analysis of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria
in biofilters. Bioresource Technology 100:3869-3876.

Lawson, T.B. 1995. Fundamentals of Aquacultural Engineering Chapman and Hall, An International Thomson
Publishing Company, New York.

Sandu, S.I., G.D. Boardman, B.J. Watten, and B.L. Brazil. 2002. Factors influencing the nitrification efficiency
of fluidized bed filter with a plastic bead medium. Aquacultural Engineering 26:41-59.

Useful Links
[Link] (recirculation aquaculture systems)
[Link]
1&_user=10&_coverDate=05%2F31%2F2006&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&v
iew=c&_searchStrId=1428613456&_rerunOrigin=[Link]&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersi
on=0&_userid=10&md5=0e90175a6ca07431ac0f7f0360433e5c
Topic [Link] Pumps

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the topic students should be able to

 Describe pumps used in aquaculture farms

 Develop choices in pump types and cost options, and carry out selections
 Make calculations to determine head, entrance loss and pressure loss

Key Terms:

Pump, kinetic energy, velocity, head, pressure, foot valve, Suction Screen, pipe friction

Introduction

A pump is a machine that transfers energy (which originates from the electric generator) to a fluid. Water could
be pumped either from the surface water such as rivers, canal, lakes and reservoirs or from subsurface water
such as soil water, deep seated spring, cavern water, marginal water etc. The supply of water to hatcheries,
recirculation systems and central pumping stations of fish farms, pumps to catch subsurface water are used. A
pressure intensifier device inserted into the water supply system compensates for lack of pressure, wherever
need arises.

9.1 Pump classification

Pumps are widely used in aquaculture to do the following:

1) Move water into and out of the culture facility

2) Draining fish ponds
3) Force water through filter systems
4) Increase water flow so that circulation is greater, etc.

9.1.1 Types of pumps

There are different pumps but all are based on the above principle. Fluid that has passed through a pump has
available energy in the form of either:

1) Kinetic energy (if the velocity of the water is increased with pumping, so is its kinetic energy;

2) Potential energy (pumping water up to a holding tower so that it cab ne gravity fed to tanks, or ponds later,
increases its potential energy). When selecting a punp for aquaculture, the needs of the system must be carefully
considered. The performance characteristics of the pump should be close to those that are closest to the job
requirements.

Performance characteristics are related to:

1) Amount of liquid discharged
2) The head generated
3) Power requirements (brake power)
4) The efficiency (the ratio of the energy that is imparted to the liquid to the energy going to the pump from the
driving device).

These characteristics differ from one pump to another. They change as the pump ages because parts begin to
wear. Pumps of the same size and similar design tend to have similar performance characteristics.

Vertical pumps
These aerators consist of a submersible, electric motor with an impeller attached to its shaft. The motor is
suspended by floats. And the impeller jets water into the air to affect aeration. These aerators are manufactured
in sizes ranging from less than 1 kW to more than 100 kW, but units in aquaculture are seldom larger than 3
kW. Vertical pump aerators for waste water treatment are classified as low speed (impeller speed < 200 rpm )n
or high speed (impeller speed >800 rpm). Units for aquaculture have high speed impellers, usually 1,730 rpm or
3,450 rpm.

Pump sprayers

A pump sprayer aerator consists of a high pressure pump that discharges water at high velocity through one or
more orifices to effect aeration. The simplest procedure is to discharge the water directly from the pump outlet.
The most complex design is to discharge the water from small orifices in a manifold that is attached to the pump
outlet. Aerator sizes range from 7.5 to 15 kW, and the impeller speeds are from 500 to 1000 rpm.

Propeller-Aspirator-Pumps

The primary aerator parts of a propeller-aspirator-pump aerator are an electric motor. A hollow shaft which
rotates at 3, 450 rpm, a hollow housing inside which the rotating shaft fits, a diffuser and an impeller attached to
the end of the rotating shaft. In operation, the impeller accelerates water to a velocity high enough

Reciprocating pumps

These include the old hand pumps used to get water from wells before electricity became available. They
require a lot of energy mechanically, or from steam, air, or hydraulic pressure. Large motor-driven reciprocating
pumps are: simplex, duplex; trplex or quintuplex in design according to the number of cylinders.

Each one of these can be classified into:

1) Piston and plunger types

2) Single-and double-acting types
3) Inside-and outside packed types etc.

Hand pumps work because there is a plunger moving up and down inside a cylindrical chamber as the pump
handle is raised and lowered. These are called piston pumps. Like rotary pumps these are called positive
displacement pumps.

Rotary pumps

Consist of rotating cams, vanes, pistons, screws, gears or other devices inside a fixed housing. Energy imparted
from the rotating part of the pump moves the fluid

Classification of pipes (diameters)

Pipe diameters are standardized. There are a number of sizes available for various applications in different
industries. In aquaculture, pipes with the following external diameters (mm) are generally used 20, 25, 32, 40,
50, 63, 75, 90, 110, 125, 160, 180, 200, 225, 250, 280, 315, 355, 400, 450, 500, 560 and 630.

Vertical pumps

These aerators consist of a submersible, electric motor with an impeller attached to its shaft. The motor is
suspended by floats. And the impeller jets water into the air to affect aeration. These aerators are manufactured
in sizes ranging from less than 1 kW to more than 100 kW, but units in aquaculture are seldom larger than 3
kW.

Vertical pump aerators for waste water treatment are classified as low speed (impeller speed < 200 rpm) or high
speed (impeller speed >800 rpm). Units for aquaculture have high speed impellers, usually 1,730 rpm or 3,450
rpm
9.2 Pump Well

Obstacles to the operation of the pump should be removed, such as branches, sand, pebbles, etc. The pump well
for the inlet pipe should be furnished with a grid of 20 mm mesh in case of smaller pumps, and with a grid of
20-50 mm mesh in case of pumps with capacity higher than 1 000 l/sec. The inlet pipe of smaller pumps can be
furnished with an inlet rose head for protection.

The size of the pump well should be ten times the water discharge/min. A pump well of bigger size may
promote swirling of water.

The difference between the lowest possible water level in the pump well and the inlet part of
the suction pipe, can be calculated as follows:

INCLUDEPICT (m)
URE
"[Link]
org/docrep/x5744
e/[Link]" \
*
MERGEFORMA
TINET

where

v = is velocity of water in the suction pipe (m/s)

g = 9.81 m/sec2 gravitational acceleration.

Generally

h = 0.5 dt (m)

where
dt is the maximum diameter of the bell mouth entry but at least h = 0.3 m.

9.3 Setting up Pumps

There are three ways of setting, considering the type of pump and the inlet chamber.

(a) Pumps of vertical shaft sunk in the water of the pump well;
(b) pumps with vertical or horizontal shafts set in a dry chamber located beside the pump well;
(c) pump of generally horizontal shaft located above the water level.

Pump is under water and the driving motor is above the water level
In this case the electric motor is directly joined to the vertical shaft of the pump and is located in a water-free,
dry place. The advantage of this solution is the relatively small space-requirement (there is no suction pipe and
foot valve) and the easy start and operation (priming is not needed because air can not penetrate into the suction
pipe). Its shortcomings are, especially in case of a large level difference between the motor and the pump, the
difficulties in fitting the bearings in the vertical shaft, loss in efficiency (due to the several guide bearings),
increased corrosion, and difficulty of checking, maintenance and repair (the pump should be drained first).
Driving motor and main pump are above the water and the first stage under the water level

By applying a first stage submerged part, the pump gets inflow water. No priming is necessary before starting.
The level of water delivery is controlled by the upper part, thus the pump in fact, has a double stage made up of
a low-pressure (submerged stage) and a higher-pressure stage. This solution partly eliminates the above-
mentioned shortcomings, by having several advantages (power take-off shaft with lower capacity, main part of
the pump is easy to maintain).

Pump and driving motor under the water level

To these belong the submerged and deep-well pumps.

Installing and setting expenses of a pump placed separately in a dry chamber are high. Its mechanical
construction, operation and maintenance, however, are more economical. The advantage of this arrangement is
that no priming or foot valve is necessary. For automatic operation this is the most suitable solution.

9.4 Calculation of Head

To determine the total head of a pump, the geodetic level difference between the inlet-side and delivery-side
water levels and the pressure affecting them (e.g. in a discharge air chamber) should be known as well as the
various hydraulic losses during lifting.

(m)

where

H = total head (m)

hg = geodetic lifting level (m)
h0 = entrance loss (m)
h1 = resistance of the filter (m)
h2 = resistance of the foot valve (m)
h3 = loss by pipe friction (m)
h4 = loss from increase in cross section (m)
h5 = loss from reduction in cross section (m)
h6 = loss from valves (m)
h7 = loss from inversion (m)
Ps = external pressure on the inlet-side water (Pa)
Pd = external pressure on the delivery-side water (Pa)
 = density of water 1 000 kg/m3
g = 9.81 m/sec2 gravitational acceleration

If atmospheric pressure affects the water levels of both inlet and delivery sides the last item is:

9.4.1 Entrance Loss:

(m)

where
v = velocity of water on entering the inlet of the pump (m/sec)
 0 = value in case of not rounded inlet part: 0.8 - 1.0; in case of properly rounded inlet 0.04, i.e. the entrance
loss is practically equal to the value which is necessary to accelerate the water.

9.4.2 Resistance of Suction Screen

(m)

where

 1 = value depends on the suction screen; according to preliminary calculation can be 2-3.

In case of a suction screen of proper size and shape with free surface this loss can be markedly reduced.

9.4.3 Resistance of Foot Valve

(m)

which is equal to the specific valve-loading, and the loss-factor is gradually decreasing along
with the increasing velocity if the valve is automatic

if v = 1 2 3 4
then
 2 = 6.9 1.7 0.77 0.43

9.4.4. Pressure Loss Coming from Pipe Friction (h3)

If is higher than 2320, in case of turbulent water stream,

where

 = pipe friction constant

l = length of the pipe-line (m)
v = water velocity in the pipe (m/s)
d = inner diameter (m)
 = kinematic viscosity (m3/sec) as a function of water temperature.

It is 1.3 . 106 at 10°C and 1 . 106 at 20°C

Pipe friction constant according to the latest research data should be calculated with consideration of R e and wall
roughness of pipe. The International Congress on Water Supply held in Paris in 1952 accepted the formula of
Colebrook for calculating the pipe-friction constant.

Which is
where

k= the absolute roughness of the pipe which can be selected from Table 2.

Values of pressure loss by pipe friction are determined with approximate equations, nomograms or tables.

9.5 Pipe system in the pump house

A suction screen with as small resistance as possible should be used on the suction pipe. With suction pipes,
especially if the pump is not of inflow system, it is very important to reduce the losses to achieve the lowest
possible suction head and perfect sealing. Resistance of suction pipe can be reduced with an ample cross-section
and short-suction piece, and with the avoidance of sharp curves and directional changes. Velocity on entrance
should be 0.8-1.0 m/sec and 1-2 m/sec in the suction pipe so as to decrease entrance loss. The suction pipe
should be connected to the inlet of the pump with the shortest possible reducing piece so as to avoid the
decrease of velocity below 0.8 m/sec, and to prevent air segregation and corrosion. With the application of the
shortest possible vertically or slightly (1-2%) declining suction pipe, the formation of air locks can be prevented.

In the case of delivery pipes in the pump house, a velocity of 2 m/sec is the most economic. Connection to an
external pipeline of bigger cross-section should be done outside of the pump house. Velocity higher than 2
m/sec is admissible for temporary fluctuations of water amount only, and for as short time as possible.

A suitable gate valve or other cut off device should be inserted in the delivery pipe of each pump possibly close
to the outlet of the pump or in case of an inflow system before the inlet of the pump as well, in order to cut off
the pump. To prevent reflux of water in the delivery pipe, in case of a sudden stop of the pump, especially if
several pumps are operated on a common delivery pipe, a flap valve or regulating flap should be inserted
between the pump and the gate valve on the delivery side.

Pipes in the pump house should be made of flange joint cast iron or welded steel. Use of flanges meaning extra
cost and source of operational faults should be restricted to connections to pumps and pipe fitting.

To render dewatering of the common delivery pipe possible, a gate valve regulated branch pipe should be
inserted at the deepest part of the common delivery pipe depending upon its size and the quantity of the water

9.6 Choice of the Proper Type of Pump

For water delivery rotary pumps are used almost exclusively. For water catchment, for primary lifting of a small
amount of water at little heights (2-12 m), and for amounts higher than 200 l/sec, by providing the proper
possibilities as to inflow, the propeller pump is the most suitable in one or two-step operation. The same type
can be applied in case the delivery requirements are higher than 500 l/sec at changing lifting heights, with
adjustable blades.

Water level fluctuation can be as high as 8-11 m at plants for water catchment. In such places, a pump with a
steep characteristic is favourable, but if a pump of proper type and capacity cannot be mounted, separate pumps
should be installed for the lower or higher lifting levels. At a lifting level higher than 30 m up to approximately
150 l/sec capacity multi-stage pumps should be applied. For higher lifting levels, up to 150 m, one stage pumps
are optimal especially for delivery of water amounts more than 150-200 l/sec. Pumps at such lifting levels
should be set under the water level, so as to prevent vacuum formation, and to ensure the inflow prescribed by
the manufacturer. To pump water of a driven well, a submerged pump should be used.
9.7 Control of Delivering Capacity

Capacity of a pump station can be controlled with the simultaneous application of pumps of different delivery
capacity. For one delivery pipe a maximum of three pumps, with intermittent running, with revolution control
throttling, and bypass can be used. The most simple is throttling in the delivery pipe (Q, H), and thus the amount
of water delivered can be reduced according to the throttling curve. It should be kept in mind, however, that this
type of control results in a loss of efficiency, therefore it can only be temporarily applied. Control with throttling
is not feasible with pumps of propeller or wing blade, due to the overloading of the motor. Control is made with
adjustable blades with high capacity pumps with wind blades.

Permanent pumps usually are driven by directly connected electric motors with constant speed. Mobile pumps
are generally driven by Otto or Diesel engines.

Learning Activities

 Discussion on available pumps for aquaculture farms

 Assignment: Determine ‘head”, and Pressure Loss Coming from Pipe Friction
 Assignment: Literature review on pumps used in recirculating aquaulculture systems
9.8 Summary of Topic

Pumps are normally used for large scale operations and for aquaculture farms that cannot be supplied with water
by gravity. Most pumps use electricity, however, there are also pumps driven by wind and solar energy.
Performance of the pump will be influenced by characteristics that include; Amount of liquid discharged, the
head generated, power requirements (brake power), and the efficiency.

To determine the total head of a pump, the geodetic level difference between the inlet-side and delivery-side
water levels and the pressure affecting them should be known as well as the various hydraulic losses during
lifting. The pipe systems should comprise a suction screen with as small resistance as possible.

Capacity of a pump station can be controlled with the simultaneous application of pumps of different delivery
capacity. Permanent pumps usually are driven by directly connected electric motors with constant speed. Mobile
pumps are generally driven by Otto or Diesel engines.

Further Reading Materials

 Lekang, Odd-Ivar, 2007. Aquaucultre Engineering, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK

 Wheaton, F. W., 1977. Aquaculture Engineering

Useful Links

[Link] 16 design of pumping stations

Topic 10. Aeration and Pure Oxygen Systems

Learning Outcomes

 Identify management principles essential for influencing concentration of dissolved oxygen in pond
water
 Describe types and configurations of aerators
 Apply principles of design of fish pond aerators in aquaculture systems
 Apply key principals of degassing in re-circulating aquaculture systems

Key Terms

Aeration, differential gradient, degassing, aerators, air diffusion

Introduction

There are three basic ways of enhancing oxygen transfer into water: gravity aerators, mechanical aerators, and
pure oxygen contact systems. Pure oxygen systems have limited use in fish ponds. In addition to supplying
oxygen, mechanical aerators also circulate or mix water to aid in distribution of dissolved oxygen throughout
the ponds. There are reports of increased net photosynthetic activity in aerated and circulated bodies of water
through a reduction in the demand of phytoplankton for oxygen in respiration.

The rate of oxygen transfer into the water is related to differential gradient and temperature. If the water is low
in O2, then the transfer rate from the air is greater than it would be if the water was near O2 saturation. The
absolute ability of water to hold oxygen increases as the temperature of the water decreases.

Dissolved substances may affect the surface tension of the water or the solubility of oxygen. Surfaces are is
probably the most important aspect to consider in most aeration models. Oxygen molecules diffuse from the air
into the water where they interface. By increasing the area of that water-air interface, the culturist can increase
the rate of oxygen transfer. Vertical motion of water can also help to aerate the bottom waters that would
normally have low dissolved oxygen concentrations.

10.1 Diurnal changes of dissolved oxygen content of pond water

Diurnal changes of the dissolved oxygen content of pond water during a period of time t’’- t’ can be expressed
by the following equation:

O2  - O2 = P - R - Y ± A

where

P = quantity of oxygen produced during the photosynthetic process of the phytoplankton, the phytobenthos and
the water plants,

R = quantity of oxygen consumed during the respiration of bacterial-, phyto- and zooplankton and organisms of
animals and plants,

Y = quantity of oxygen fixed by the mud of the pond bottom,

A = quantity of oxygen dissolved from the atmosphere or in case of supersaturation released to the atmosphere.
Since the most significant positive value (P) of the above formula is dependent on light conditions (the
photosynthesis can take place only by utilization of solar energy), the dissolved oxygen content of the fish pond
varies over a period of 24 hours.

10.2 Factors Influencing the Dissolved Oxygen Content of Pond Water

10.2.1. Production of macro- and microorganisms in the water

Those organisms which live in the water of a fish pond and have chlorophyll, produce carbohydrates from the
carbon dioxide and the water in the process of photosynthesis by utilization of solar energy, while oxygen is
produced as a by-product of the process. In deeper water ponds the biggest part of the oxygen produced comes
from the phytoplankton, but in shallow ponds the macrovegetation, the algae and the benthic algae have a
dominating role. Among the factors influencing production of fish ponds water temperature and illumination are
the most important.

10.2.2 Oxygen consumption by pond water

Oxygen is consumed in pond water by decomposition of organic materials in the respiration of macro-
vegetation, phyto- and zooplankton and bacteria. On the basis of measurements carried out in large scale fish
ponds of Hungary it was found that oxygen consumption of the water in a pond full of weeds was nearly
completely the result of respiratory action of macro-vegetation.

Fish pond water is a complicated biological complex, thus its oxygen consumption is different from pond to
pond under different conditions.

While oxygen production is dependent mainly on light conditions, respiration is mainly determined by water
temperature and dissolved oxygen content of the water.
Figure 1. Consumption of oxygen by different fish (Boyd, 1979).

[Link] consumption by the pond bottom

Oxygen consumption by the pond bottom is dependent on the oxygen requirement for decomposition of organic
material accumulated on the pond bottom and for vital functions of benthos. Oxygen fixation taking place in the
water mud interfacial area can also not be neglected. The dissolved oxygen content of the water layer directly in
contact with the mud is much lower than that of the upper layers of water.

10.2.4. Oxygen consumption by fish

The different fish species have become adapted to different living conditions during their evolution. Generally
all those fish species which live in fast flowing and oxygen rich streams (e.g. Salmonids) need high quantities of
oxygen and only a small decrease of dissolved oxygen can cause losses. At the same time the species which
became accustomed to slow motion of the water or stagnant water (e.g. several Cyprinids) need less oxygen and
are able to tolerate short periods of oxygen deficiency.

10.2.5. Natural diffusion caused by wind action

Diffusion is caused by partial differential pressure of oxygen in the air and in the water. As the oxygen content
of the air is considered to be constant, the rate of diffusion is determined by oxygen saturation of the water
layer interfacing with the air. In the case of stagnant water the uppermost layer of water becomes saturated
quickly and the convection current of oxygen into the water slows down. The mass transfer rate which
determines the rate of diffusion (g/O2/m2/hour) varies in a wide range

10.3. Artificial control of the dissolved oxygen content of water

Artificial control of the oxygen budget of water of fish ponds in this case means technical and practical
measures which have direct effect on the dissolved oxygen content of the pond water.

Oxygen content of the pond water can be influenced by two methods; by change of flow rate, and by aeration of
pond water.

10.3.1 Aeration devices for fish ponds

Hydraulic Type Fish Pond Aerators

In aeration with an ejector the water is passed through a venturi-type diffusor where its pressure decreases
below the atmospheric pressure thus air can penetrate into the water.

Specially designed air intake heads can also be used for aeration. These usually involve a propeller inside a pipe
through which water is passing. The propeller is driven by the water current and on the surface of the blade the
pressure decreases and an air sucking effect takes place.

Cascades can also be used for aeration, in which the water is broken into small drops, increasing the interfacial
area.

Hydraulic type aerators can be applied usefully when water is pumped through a pipeline but they are
particularly useful when a natural head is available.

Air Diffusion Type Fish Pond Aerators

During air diffusion the air is supplied by various types of compressors or blowers into the water where it is
diffused through a variety of diffusers. When the air is diffused through a perforated pipe large bubbles of up to
10 mm in diameter are formed and when the diffuser is a porous material fine bubbles of 2-5 mm in diameter are
produced. When the bubbles emerge and pass up to the water surface a part of their oxygen content is dissolved
in the water, and also a secondary upwards water movement is generated, creating a mixing effect.

10.3.2. Emergency aeration

Ponds are commonly aerated when dissolved oxygen concentrations are low. Dissolved oxygen concentrations
are checked at night when DO concentrations are expected to fall below 2 or 3 mg/l so emergency aeration is
needed. Emergency aeration is needed when feeding rates exceed 50kg/ha/day. Any type of aerator can be
used for emergency aeration.

Paddle wheel aerators driven by power-take-off (PTO) of farm tractors are the most effective. Mobile PTO
aerators can be moved from pond to pond, but this requires an expensive tractor for each unit. Large electric
aerators are not portable, so one must be placed in each pond if they are to be used for emergency aeration.

Electric aerators are not as expensive to purchase and operate as PTO aerators and tractors. A single 7.5-kW
electric paddle wheel aerator will transfer about 75% as much oxygen/hour as a PTO paddle wheel aerator
driven by a 50-kW tractor.

10.3.3. Equilibrium

At equilibrium, there is no net transport of gas into the water or from the water to the air. There is still some
transport of gas molecules through the water surface but what goes in is what comes out.. There are no free gas
bubbles in the water. Whe the water is supersaturated with gas it forms bubbles because it can no loner dissolve
in the water.

Dissolved oxygen is one of the critical factors the culturists must consider in aquaculture. Green plants produce
oxygen by the quantity produced is greatly reduced at night during respiration. Producers cannot just depend on
this source of oxygen when fish are stocked at high density in the ponds.

Oxygen is required by all animals, while plants themselves are considered as an oxygen sink at night or on
cloudy days. DO requirements vary vary as a function of species, water temperature, stocking density and water
quality.

10.4 Ways to get oxygen into the water

10.4.1. Differential gradients

If water is low in DO, then the transfer rate from the air is greater than it would be if the water was near O2
saturation.

10.4.2. Temperature
The absolute ability of water to hold oxygen increases as the temperature of the water decreases. However,
theoretically, the rate that transfer can occur is initially increased in low-DO water as temperatures rise.

10.4.3. Impurities in the water

Dissolved substances may affect the surface tension of the water or the solubility of oxygen.

10.4.4. Surface area across which diffusion can take place

Surface area is the most important aspect to consider in most aeration models. Oxygen molecules diffuse from
the air into the water where they interface. By increasing the area of that water-air interface, the culturist can
increase the rate of oxygen transfer. Most of the standard aeration techniques are designed to increase this
water-air boundary surface area.
10.5 Types of aerators

There are four aeration systems that have been developed:

1) Gravity aerators
2) Surface aerators
3) Diffuser aerators
4) Turbine aerators.

10.5.1 Gravity aerators

Are among the most common of aerators because they are simple to construct and reliable. Requirement is that
water should be raised above the level of the pond, tank, or raceway. As the water falls, the potential energy is
converted to kinetic energy that serves to break apart the falling water. When water is broken into droplets or a
mist, the area over which diffusion can take place is increased, thereby increasing the DO of the water.

Ways to increase the efficiency of this method

a. Water falls through a screen or perforated plate or a series of screens or plates that break up the falling
stream of water.

b. A gravity-driven paddlewheel is also effective. The falling water turns the paddle-wheel; the paddle-
wheel throws more water into the air and in some cases even traps air below the surface of the water.

c. A recent and popular variation on the traditional gravity aeration systems includes the use of specially
designed plastic rings, wheels, or balls. These are few centimeters in diameter and have fringed interior
walls or spokes. As water passes through a columnar drum filled with these, the water is effectively
broken up.

10.5.2. Surface aerators

These increase the surface area of the culture medium by agitating it with some sort of mechanical device. The
DO rises when the surface water is thrown up and mixes with the air above the water and then falls back down
into the pond or tank. There are three commonly-used surface aerators:

1. Nozzle aerators
2. Spray aerators
3. Motorized paddle wheels.

10.5.3. Nozzles

They are often used with round tanks. Water is pumped downward through a nozzle toward the surface of the
water. When the jet of water hits the tank surface water, there is considerable turbulence.

The pump imparts energy to the water which is forced out of the nozzle, and the water leaving the nozzle
transfers that energy to the water it hits. Besides increasing the DO in the round tanks, nozzle aerators also set
up a circular water flow.

10.5.4. Spray aerators

Are generally built as floating propellers. The propeller is beneath the water’s surface and as it turns, it brings
subsurface water up and into the air. The rate of oxygen transfer depends on the size and depth of the propeller
and the speed at which the propeller turns.
10.5.5. Floating paddle wheels

These are very popular, and are considered one of the most energy-efficient devices for increasing the DO.
Besides increasing the DO as the wheel hits the water, they also increase both vertical and horizontal water
movement. The most efficient paddle-wheels are triangular in cross section. The amount of oxygen that is
transferred to the water increases with the size and speed of the paddle wheel, although energy efficiency (O2
transferred per kilowatt) may decrease at high speeds and depths.

10.5.6. Diffuser aerators

Surface aerators work to disturb the water surface, thereby putting water in the air. Diffuser aerators, however,
work to put air in the water. Oxygen in air bubbles will diffuse out into the water through the surface of the
bubbles. The longer the bubbles stay below the water surface, the more time there is for oxygen to pass into the
water. In some cases, diffuser aerators use pure oxygen in place of air.

Aeration practices
Performance and rating of aeration systems in the field
Field aeration efficiency

10.6 Types and configuration of aerators (diffusers)

There are many types of diffuser aerators: 1) simple diffuser; 2) the U-tube diffuser; 3) downward bubble
contact aerator. The airstone is an example of simple diffuser. The diffuser forces the air through small holes.

This results in a greater bubble surface area per unit volume of air, yielding a better transfer of O2 to the water.
The smaller bubbles have less slip and therefore lift some of the water to the surface with then as they rise. This
improved vertical motion helps to distribute the water.

Venturi diffuser

This is an aspirator which operates by forcing water at a high speed through a restriction of some sort. At the
restriction site, there is an opening to the atmosphere. The quickly moving water causes a drop in pressure
which results in air being drawn into the water line. A source of compressed air is not required.

The U-tube

A simple device designed to increase the time that bubbles are in the water. At the front of the U-tube, air
bubbles are injected into the water as it flows down. The downward velocity of the water must be greater than
the velocity of the at which the bubbles rise.

That way, the bubbles are first forced to the bottom of the U-tube before they may rise. The amount of oxygen
transferred is related to: 1) the flow and composition of the air or oxygen; 2) the depth of the diffuser; 3) the
velocity of the water; and 4) the depth of the U-tube.

The down flow bubble contact aerator

This operates on the same principle as the U-tube aerator. A propeller forces water downward; a diffuser is
placed in the stream of the downward flowing water. First, the bubbles are forced down and then they rise up,
and this increases the contact time with the water and the amount of oxygen passed from the bubbles.

Turbine aerators
This is simply a submerged propeller. Instead of injecting air into the water or water into the air, it is simply a
device that increases the circulation in the pond or tank, resulting in greater surface aeration. Size and speed at
which the propeller rotates govern the efficiency of the transfer.

One variation involves a rapidly spinning propeller mounted on a hollow drive shaft. The drive shaft has an
opening at water surface. As the spinning propeller forces the water at a high velocity, past the submerged hole
in the drive shaft, there is a drop in pressure in the shaft. This results in air being sucked through the surface
hole and out the submerged hole near the propeller.

10.7 Types of aerators used for pure oxygen systems

10.7.1 Oxygen Absorption and its Devices

In order to minimize oxygen consumption devices are needed which ensure the most perfect absorption of
oxygen. The operating principle of these is the same as that of aeration devices, but in order to increase the
contact time between the gas and the water some technical modifications are needed.

One is bubbling oxygenation where the oxygen gas comes in contact with the water by breaking into bubbles.
The rate of oxygen dilution depends mainly on the depth of the water layer, the length of travel of bubbles in the
water body and the rate of oxygen feeding. Higher efficiency can be achieved by decreasing the bubble size,
thus the contact time and the contact surface increases. But the decrease of bubble size needs a significant
quantity of extra energy, and coagulation of bubbles also can happen. The efficiency of oxygen bubbling can be
increased by counter-flow of oxygen and water. Un-dissolved oxygen can be collected and circulated back to the
oxygen supply system, or a closed system can be constructed in which oxygen and water are continuously
mixed.

10.7.2. Pipeline Injection of Oxygen

Where oxygen is injected into the water flowing in a tube at a given point, the efficiency of oxygen dissolving
depends on the time the oxygen stays in the pipeline and on the pressure in the tube. Oxygen can be fed into the
pipeline through a Venturi tube, as shown in Figure 13/d.

10.7.3.U-tube Oxygenation

U-tube oxygenation is shown in Figure 13/e, in which bubbles of oxygen are carried along the water current.
Thus the contact time and efficiency of oxygen dilution depends on the difference of inflow and outflow water
levels and on depth of the "U" tube. This process seems to be very effective in fish culture practice because of
its high efficiency, low energy requirement and simplicity.

10.8 Basic principles of the design of fish pond aerators

Equilibrium Concentration

The equilibrium concentration in gas-liquid systems is expressed by Henry's law as follows:

where

H = Henry's constant (Pa). (Henry's constant depends on the temperature).

The partial pressure of one component of a gas mixture is proportional to the volume fraction of that
component.
Based on the equations given above, the weight concentration of oxygen at saturation (C s) can be calculated
as follows:

(kg . m-3)

(g . m-3)

10.8.1 Mass Transfer Processes of Aerators

The amount of oxygen that can be dissolved in the water by an aerator during a time unit can be expressed as
follows:

where

KLa = modified mass transfer coefficient (h-1)

Cs = the equilibrium concentration of dissolved O2 (g m-3)
C = the dissolved oxygen concentration in the water (g m-3)
t = time (h)

The solution of the differential equation when the initial condition is C0 is as follows:

The KLa modified mass transfer coefficient is a product of multiplication of the mass transfer coefficient (K L)

and the specific area ( ) as follows:

where

KL = mass transfer coefficient (m h-1)

A = diffusion area (m2)
V = volume (m3)

KL is dependent on the temperature

Where

 = temperature (°C)
b = constant with a value between 1.016 and 1.047
In sewage treatment with bubbling aeration usually b = 1.02 is used during the calculations

Generally:

The organic and inorganic materials in the water have an influence on KLa.

K La =  KLa

where

K La = the modified mass transfer rate of an impure water

 = constant, its value lies between 0.7 and 0.9 when the water is biologically treated and 0.5 when the water is
mechanically treated.

The Oxygenation Capacity (OC) expresses how many grams of oxygen can be dissolved in 1 m 3 of water during
one hour by the aerator investigated, at normal atmospheric pressure when the water temperature is 10°C and its
initial dissolved oxygen content is zero.

The relation between the Oxygenation Capacity and modified mass transfer rate is shown as follows:

OC = KLa (10°C) . Cs (10°C)

The value of OC at different temperature and atmospheric pressure can be computed with the equation:

where

When the same aerator is used for the oxygenation of a larger water volume than 1 m 3 less oxygen can be
dissolved. This is why total oxygen intake (Ot) is introduced.

Ot = V . OC (g h-1)

The value of Ot is related to 10 or 20°C temperature, normal atmosphere pressure and C = 0 initial dissolved
oxygen concentration.

The specific total oxygen intake Ots shows the efficiency of the oxygenation related to the power
input.

(g h-1 kW-1)
where

P = power input of the aerator (kW)

10.9. Degassing systems

Aeration is the addition of a gas, O2, to the water. Degassing is the removal of gas, usually inert N2 from the
water. Since N2 is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere (about 78%) it is not surprising that it is also the
most common gas in water. High levels of N2 reaching supersaturation, lead to gas bubble disease (formation of
bubbles in the blood of fish and shellfish. Supersaturation is an unstable condition. It is usually reached when
gas-saturated waters are exposed to changing conditions in the pond, such as temperature or pressure.. Suppose
the water in the aquifer is saturated with N2, then there is a rise in the height of the lake that feeds the aquifer
this will result in increased pressure on the aquifer which may result in supersaturation of well water taken from
that aquifer for a culture facility.

10.9.1 Methods of removing excess N2

There are three commonly used ways of to remove excess N2 from culture water. 1) Vacuum degassers; 2)
oxygen injection and 3) use of packed columns.

Vacuum degassers are sealed vessels that contain packing material such as plastic rings. A vacuum is
maintained in the vessel using a vacuum pump. Water is distributed over the packing material by a diffuser. The
diffuser breaks breaks up the stream of entering water and distributes it over the packing material, which results
in more of the water’s surface being exposed to the vacuum. He gasses flow from the liquid and are exhausted
by the vacuum pump, while the degassed water flows out from the bottom of the vessel through a pipe. The
weight of the water in the exit pipe must be great enough to overcome the vacuum in the vessel. These units are
efficient and wil decrease the levels of gasses in the water below saturation; the greatest problem is that they
will slightly reduce the DO level.

Oxygen injection degassers are also packed columns. As water flow through the bed, oxygen is bubbled or
injected into the system. The surfaces of the packing particles again increase the surface area where mixing can
take place. The oxygen scrubs the nitrogen from the water because there is competition for “space” in the fluid.
Oxygen injection often results in supersaturation of O2; oxygen supersaturation is not a problem in most cases;
allowing an increased stocking density and helping to meet the chemical oxygen demand of the water. While
this is probably the most expensive way to remove high levels of N2 in culture water, the usefulness of
additional O2 in the water (supplementing the aeration system) may make oxygen injection practical. A packed
column degasser is similar to the vacuum degasser without the vacuum. When levels of saturation are initially
high, and the organism in culture can survive and grow in water with a slight supersaturation (101-103%), this is
a simple and cost-effective method of dealing with high levels of N2.

The packed column degasser works because the packing material again breaks up the water passing through the
bed, allowing the supersaturated gas to leave the water. The greater the saturation, the greater the efficiency of
the bed; the major problem with these degassers is that they become very inefficient when the saturation level is
approached, so the water always stays slightly supersaturated.

Learning Activities

Summary of the topic

Dissolved oxygen content of the water of fish ponds is one of the most important parameters of water quality, as
the oxygen is a vital condition for all the organisms living in the water and having an aerobic type of respiration.
The solubility of oxygen is influenced by several factors (e.g. air pressure, hydrostatical pressure, salt content),
but in pond fish farms it is generally enough to consider only water temperature.

In pond fish farming the oxygen content of the atmosphere is utilized for enrichment of pond water with oxygen.
Basically there are two methods for oxygen enrichment. In the first one energy is transferred to the surrounding
air by some kind of air compressor and the air penetrates into the water where it transmits a part of its oxygen
content to the water. In case of the second one energy is transferred directly to the pond water or other water
source and the water having higher energy content will be able to take up air from the atmosphere and dissolve
part of its oxygen content.

Artificial control of the oxygen budget of water of fish ponds means technical and practical measures which
have direct effect on the dissolved oxygen content of the pond water. Oxygen content of the pond water can be
influenced by two methods; by change of flow rate, and by aeration of pond water.

Aeration is the addition of a gas, O2, to the water. Degassing is the removal of gas, usually inert N2 from the
water. Since N2 is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere (about 78%) it the most common gas in water. High
levels of N2 reaching super saturation, lead to gas bubble disease (formation of bubbles in the blood of fish and
shellfish).

Further Reading Materials

Useful link

[Link] 21 aeration and oxygenation in aquaculture

Topic 11. Re-circulation and water re-use systems

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the topic students should be able to

 Describe recirculating aquaculture systems
 Determine water flow requirements for a recirculating aquaculture systems
 Apply key principles of designing oxygen supply, and ammonia removal in a recirculating aquaculture
systems

Key Terms

Recirculation system, flow-through system, Screening, Aeration, ammonia removal, mass balance, oxygen
saturation

Introduction

The term "Recirculation system" or "recycling system" is used for that type of cultivation unit in which the
outflow of the rearing tanks or ponds is partially or completely recirculated to them. Some other terms like
"reconditioning system" and "reuse system" are also used to describe the same system.

There are two general types of water recirculation systems: the simple recirculation system and the complex
recirculation system. A simple recirculation system is one where the water supply that is needed to support a
certain animal population is decreased by employing aeration and/or water treatment. Sometimes there is no
treatment in this system at all. In the complex recirculation system a high reduction of water supply can be
achieved by employing a water treatment unit, which besides employing re-aeration and mechanical filtration, at
least one biological treatment is used.

11.1 Basic re-circulating system components

1) Fish are confined at high densities. Normal culture density is about 61-122 kg/m3)m although small scale
experimental system densities have even gone beyond 545 kg/m3.
2) Water is treated by several processes before it is re-circulated to the culture units.
3) A small amount of water is exchanged daily with freshwater for nitrate control and to replace water lost
through evaporation and filter backwashing.

4) The principal treatment processes used in re-circulating systems are:

1) Screening
2) Settling (sedimentation)
3) Granular media filtration
4) Biological filtration
5) Aeration
6) Disinfection.

In a generic re-circulating aquaculture system:

1) the first step is primary clarification (solids removal), which is achieved by one or several processes in
combination including:
i) Screening
ii) Sedimentation
II) Granular media filtration.

1) It is important to remove solids prior to biological filtration which is the heart of any re-circulating system.

2) Biological filters are used for nitrogen control (ammonia and nitrite).
Secondary clarification follows biological filtration to remove the biological floc that sloughs from the filter
media. It is important that this material is not allowed to remain in suspension.

3) Secondary clarification includes sedimentation, but may also include screening.

4) Finally, aeration is added for basic system life support. The system is driven by a pump.

11.2 Design of re-circulating aquaculture systems

11.2.1 Design of oxygen Supply

In designing the oxygen supply, maintenance of the required oxygen concentration in the fish tanks and
replacement of the consumed oxygen in the system should be taken into account. The design of the oxygen
supply is based on the material balance equation which is as follows:

Assuming stabilized conditions, the balanced equation on oxygen concentration is as follows:

QCAO-QCA + KLa (Cs - CA) V + (Caout + CA) Qr - mAW = 0

where

Q = supplemental water or make-up water (m3/d)

Qr = recycled water (m3/d)
CAO = oxygen concentration of inflow water (g/m3)
CA = concentration of the water in the fish tanks (g/m3).
Presuming perfect mixing, this is equal to the oxygen concentration of the outflow water
CAout = oxygen concentration of water outflowing from the aerator placed in the recycled water (g/m 3)
Cs = saturation oxygen concentration (g/m3)
KLa = oxygen transfer coefficient of the aerator placed in the fish tank (d)
V = useful water volume of the fish tanks (m3)
W = mass of fish in the fish tank (kg)
mA = specific oxygen consumption, expressing the oxygen consumption of unit mass of fish per unit of
time (g/kg/d).

Water in re-circulating systems complete the entire circuit many times in a day. Filtration may be required from
two to four times per hour. At a minimum, the water should receive complete treatment one to two times per
hour. A daily partial water exchange is necessary to control nitrate, remove pollutants, and replenish minerals
and trace elements.

At least 90% of the water should be re-condioned and 10% is replaced with fresh water. Total system volume
will be replaced once every 10 days. Lightly loaded systems may fair well with a 3-5% daily water exchange.
Systems employing 100% recycle are rare. Technical and management difficulties increase as one approach
100% recycle rate.

11.2.2 Water flow to satisfy oxygen requirements of the fish

The addition of water to a fish tank to satisfy the oxygen requirements depends on the oxygen consumption of
thje fish, the oxygen consumption in the inlet water, and the lowest acceptable concentration in the outlet water
to achieve optimal growth for the fish species. The specific water requirements can be calculated from:

Qin=Mr/(Cin-Co)
Where:

Cin=specific water flow per kg fish

Mf=specific oxygen consumption of the fish (mg 02/(/(min kg fish)

Ci=concentration of oxygen in the inlet water to the tank (mg/l)

Co=concentration of oxygen in the outlet water from the tank (mg/l).

The following coefficients are introduced:

Recycling rate:

(2)

Fish density (kg/m3):

(3)

Oxygen deficiency In the fish tank (g/m3):

D = Cs - CA (4)

In the inflow water (g/m):

D0 = Cs - CA0 (5)

Efficiency of aeration of the aerator placed in the recycled water:

(6)

Value, characterizing the oxygen content of the inflow water:

(7)

Specific water flow, which is the supplemental water per unit mass of fish (m3/d/kg):

(8)
By rearranging equation (1) and introducing the above mentioned coefficients, the following
equation for designing oxygen supply in the recirculation systems can be formulated:

(9)

The correlation between the aeration efficiency (XA) of the aerator placed in the recirculated water and
the oxygen transfer coefficient applied to characterize aeration (KLar) is shown below:

(10)

where:

KLar = the daily oxygen transfer coefficient (d) of the aerator placed in the recycled water

VA = useful capacity (m) of the aerator placed in the recycled water.

Equation (9) can be applied not only for designing recirculation systems but for all the intensive
systems as well. Special applications of this equation include the following:

i) Recirculation system, where there is no aeration in the fish tank (KLa = 0):
(11)

ii) The same situation as in case i) but where the inflow water is saturated with oxygen (KLa = 0):
(12)

iii) Flow-through system, where aeration is applied into the fish tank itself (Z = 0)
(13)

iv) Flow-through system without aeration (Z = 0; KLa = 0):

(14)

v) Flow-through system without aeration, but the inflow water is saturated with oxygen (Z = 0; KLa = 0;
XA0 = 1):
(15)

11.2.3. Design of a re-use system

A re-use plant may be established either with continuous addition of new water or batch exchange; the former is
most common because it maintains stable water quality.
Two different principles are used for construction of re-use plants regardless of whether there is continuous or
batch exchange of water.
1. Centralized re-use system for handling water from several fish tanks.
2. Re-use system placed in a single fish tank, also known as a tank internal re-use system.

Most current re-use systems are based on the centralized principle. Outlet water from all the fish tanks is
collected in a common pipeline that leads directly to one centrally placed water treatment system which includes
all the necessary water treatment components.

After treatment the water is returned to the tanks via a common inlet pipe. Addition of the new water and
removal of old water is also performed here. Either on a continuous or batch basis.

The advantage of centralized system is that more investment can be put in the water treatment components
because they handle more tanks and greater weight of fish.

However, one disadvantage with this system is that if infection occurs in one tank, it will be transferred via the
water to all other tanks in the re-use circuit. Another disadvantage is with the centralized water treatment system
is that it is more difficult to gradually increase the size of the farm/system.

In a single tank re-use system, the outlet water from the tank is led directly into a water treatment system before
it is returned to the same tank. Every tank thus has its own water treatment system and there is no mixing of
water from different tanks.

The water treatment system can either be an integral part of the fish tank partly inside the tank volume, or it can
be a separate external unit attached to the fish tank.

Great flexibility is the major advantage with this system. It is easier successively to expand a fish farm. In
addition, there are possibilities of better adaptation to individual loads, meaning that the degree of re-use can
vary from tank to tank and the single systems can in this way be operated optimally. The risk of spreading
pathogens between tanks is also eliminated because there is no water connection between the tanks.

The disadvantage is however, the price which inhibits development of the model. Each tank needs a separate
water treatment system; this only allows use of a low cost simple systems. But even then it is difficult to
compete with centralized systems.

The management cost of such systems is also increased because there are several units that have to be
maintained and controlled. For this, a larger monitoring system is needed. Such systems are not favored when
having high fish densities or very high percentage of re-use (>99%), because this normally includes several high
cost steps such as pH reduction, de-nitrification and disinfection. What is generally important when constructing
a water re-use plant is that the components are compatible with each other and of the correct size.

In addition to the water treatment components, it is necessary to establish a water flow in the re-use circuit; this
is done by some kind of pump. Types used include airlift pumps, propeller pumps or centrifugal pumps. When
using airlift pumps, it is possible to combine aeration with the transport of water and by this eliminate the need
for traditional pumps.

In tank internal systems with a low degree of re-use this might be done to create a low-cost system. In larger
systems, traditional centrifugal pumps are most commonly used, because system efficiency is increased. The
pump is either dry-placed or submerged.

When using submerged pumps, some heat will be transferred to the water from the pump because the pump
creates heat when running; when having a high degree of re-use this can contribute an important part of the total
heating needs of warm water species. In addition, the fish in the system will create heat from their metabolism,
so the amount of heat that must be added is reduced even more.

Advantages
 Reduction of water flow
 Re-use of water will reduce the amount of new water required for the fish farm.
  Farms can be established on sires where the amount of water is a limiting factor; or established farms
can increase production without increasing the amount of new water required. All methods that reduce
Water consumption in fish farming such as re-using water are of general interest.

Re-use of energy

Heating of water requires much energy and for this reason it is expensive.
By reducing the amount of new water supplied, the energy requirements for water heating will also be reduced;
again this will reduce the total heating costs.

By using a water re-use system, it is possible to culture fish species that have higher temperature requirements
than the natural temperature in the area; for example, to grow warm-water species at high latitudes in the
northern hemisphere.

Simpler cleaning

If there are stringent requirements for cleaning the effluent water, re-use systems will assist the process because
the amount of water to be treated is reduced.

Poor water sources

If the water supply to the farm is of poor quality, the requirements for improvement will be increased. Re-use
systems will be of interest in such cases because the amount of new incoming water where the quality must be
improved is reduced together with the treatment costs.

Disadvantages of re-use systems

In most cases, disadvantages are greater than advantages. The two main disadvantages of re-use systems are: the
investment and operating costs. In systems with a high degree of re-use (>95%) the investments can be
significantly greater than for the traditional flow-through farms, several times as high as per unit farming
volume.

In a normal re-use system, there is a continuous transport of watr performed by some kind of pump which
results in constant running costs for the pump(s). Since so much technology is usually involved in purification
systems,a re-use system will also be more exposed to technical faults.

To ensure a functioning system, the requirements for monitoring water quality and water flow are greater than
traditional flow-through systems which translates to larger monitoring systems and more back-up systems. Also,
the time limit/reaction time is reduced when a fault occurs e.g. pump failure, filter blockage which increases the
requirements for having operators on standby.

Some of the equipment used in the re-use system also required a high level of technological and biological
knowledge to operate; this imposes extra requirements for the competence of farm operators. The need for
maintenance of the equipment is much higher which also represents a significant cost.

Definitions

The degree of re-use (R) is used to give the percentage of the new incoming water (QN) in relation to the total
amount of water (QT) flowing into the fish tank. This can be described by the following relationship:

R= (1-(QN/QT)x100.

Where:
R= degree of re-use
QN=new incoming water
QT=total water supply to the fish tank
= new incoming water + re-used water

Example:
If the supply of new water to a farm is 150l/min and the total water flow is
1000l/min. Calculate the degree of re-use.
 R=(1-(QN/QT)x100
=(1-(150/1000)x100
=85%

This however, requires a continuous supply of new water which also represents the normal way to operate a
re0use farm. Another way to operate a re-use farm is to change the water in batches, as done in aquaria.
Emphasis in fish farming is on optimal growth which requires optimal environmental conditions and fish
densities are also much higher.

For a re-use system that changes the water in batches, a given amount of water can be changed once a day or
once a week. In this case, the water quality will gradually decrease until a new batch is exchanged and the
quality returns to top level.

In this case, the degree of re-use can be expressed either as the percentage of water exchanged in relation to the
total flow in the system throughout a day and night or it can be given as the amount of water that is exchanged
in relation to the total volume of water in the system.

R=(1-(QB/QT)x100

Where:
R=degree of re-use
QB=size of batch of new incoming water
QT=total amount of water flowing in the system between the exchanged batches of water.

R=(1-(QB/QT)x100

Where:
R=degree of re-use
QB=size of batch of new incoming water
QT=total amount of water in the re-use system.

Example:

The total amount of water in the system including the fish tanks and the re0-use circuit is 1000l. The amount of
water in the exchange batch is 250l and it is exchanged once a day. Calculate the degree of recycling based on
both definitions.

R=(1-QB/QT))x100
=(1-250/1000))x100
=75%.

Total water flow in the system during a day:

10l/minx60minx24hr=14400liters
R=(1-(QN/QT))x100
(1-250/144000)x100
98.3%.

This example shows the importance of knowing which definition of the re-use is used. Systems with continuous
exchange of water and not batch systems are most commonly used.

11.3 Water exchange in relation to amount of fish

Degree of re-use does not however, give enough information about the performance of the system, and is not
sufficient to describe a recirculation system properly. Neither does it take into account the amount of fish in the
system. To describe the re-use system, it will also be necessary to know the amount of new water added per kg
of fish (liters of new water per kg fish).

Example:
A re-use system with a total tank volume of 100m3 has a total circulating water flow of 200liters/min. The re-
use degree is 95%, meaning that the amount of added new water is 100l/min. The fish density is in Case 1.
10kg/m3 and in Case 2. 100kg/m3.

This represents a total amount of fish of respectively 1000kg and 10,000 kg, so the amount of new water in
these cases is 0.11/min kg fish) and 0.01/(min kg fish). Even with this information, it is difficult to compare re-
use systems because of species, size and growth rate which will have effects.

To evaluate a separate re-use system, the growth rate is the best indicator.

11.3.1 Degree of purification

Another important factor in re-use systems is the degree of cleaning Cp of the water treatment system. The
factor indicates how effectively the cleaning plant in the re0use circuit removes unwanted substances.

Cp=(Cin-Cout)/Cinx100

Where: Cp=degree of purification

C in=concentration of actual substance entering the cleaning unit
Concentration into Concentration out of
the purification unit the purification unit
Removed in the purification unit

C out=concentration of actual substances leaving the cleaning unit.

Example:

The concentration of suspended solids entering the particle filter is 25mg/liter; after the filter, the concentration
is measured as 10mg/liter.
Find the effectiveness of the filter.

Degree of purification (Cp) =(Cin-Cout)/Cinx100

=25mg/l-10mg/l x100
=60%
Theoretical models for construction of re-use systems

11.3.2 Mass flow in the system

To understand more about what is happening in a re-use system, a theoretical approach can be taken. In a re-use
system, it is important to have control over the different water flows (Q) amount of substances added and
removed from the system (M), and based on this, the concentration of substances at different stages in the
system ©:

C=M/Q
Where: Q=water flow (l/min)
M=Mass flow of substance (mg/l)
C=concentration of substance (mg/l)

11.3.4 Calculation of Water Requirement

The necessary amount of flowing water in the system, and the separation of new and re-used water depends on a
number of factors including:
amount of water to satisfy the oxygen requirements of the fish
amount of water to dilute and remove waste products to acceptable levels
amount of water to ensure self-cleaning of the tanks
degree of re-use effectiveness of the water treatment system.

Water requirement of different fish culture systems, termed specific water requirement (v), is
the amount of water needed for production of a unit mass of fish flesh:

To calculate this figure, a value for specific growth rate (G) is needed. This can be
determined as follows:

where

G = specific growth rate (g/kg/d)

W = mass of fish (kg)

If value G is not constant during the growing season, its average can be calculated by the following
formula:

where

W0= initial weight of fish (kg)

WT = mass of fish at the end of growing season (kg)
T = growing season (d)

The specific water requirement (m3/g)

can be calculated when the specific water flow (q) and the
specific growth rate (G) are known, as follows:

or
where

q = specific water flow (m3/kg/d)

11.4 Components in a re-use system

Fish require oxygen for respiration and produce faecal waste, urine, and dissolved substances released over the
gills. The reasons for treating the water are thus either to add new substances (oxygen) or to dilute waste
products. The components required for water treatment either for addition or removal of substances in the re-use
circuit can be recalculated based on the equation and depend on species, size and growth rate.

The usual order of necessary water treatment efforts is shown below, and compared to what happens in a tank
where the inlet water flow is reduced. To reduce the anount of incoming water to the tank is actually the same as
using a re-use system without any purification units such as particle or ammonia removal filters.

If the water is re-used without any treatment, the effect is the same as reducing the water inlet volume. The first
problem is that the concentration of oxygen in the outlet water will be below recommended values, the main
reason for adding water to the tank is to achieve maximum growth of fish. If this water is re-used directly, the
oxygen concentration will be too low and will result in growth reduction.

If the reduction is excessive, mortality will occur, values are species-dependent. There are numerous ways to
increase the concentration of oxygen in the water, including the usual method of adding an aerator before the
inlet to the tank system. In addition, after the water had been aerated up to near 100% saturation, pure oxygen
can be added to increase the concentrationb further (supersaturation). Both aeration and oxygenation cam also
be done directly into the tank which will also reduce the requirement for additional water.

11.4.1 Water flow

The flow of water in a pipe or channel or porous medium can be estimated from the velocity and cross0-
sectional area of the field of flow:
Q=Av

Where: Q=discharge (length3/time)

A=cross-sectional area of flow (length2)
V=velocity (length/time).

Water flows from a point of greater head to a point of lesser head. As water flows, its head relative to a
reference plane decreases. This head loss results because water must overcome frictional forces opposing flow.
Head may be increased by lifting the water source ti a higher elevation or by increasing its pressure with a
pump.

11.5 Design for Ammonia Removal

In designing ammonia removal, two main considerations should be taken into account:the concentration of toxic
nitrogen compounds should not exceed lethal levels, and the toxic nitrogen compounds should be removed or
transformed to non-toxic or less toxic materials. To accomplish these ends, a biological purification system
which transforms the toxic nitrogen compounds to non-toxic forms should be installed into the recycling system.

Ammonia and organic nitrogen compounds are excreted by the fish in the process of metabolism. The nitrogen
compounds are transformed into ammonia by heterotrophic microorganisms. Ammonia in turn is oxidized into
nitrite and then to nitrate by nitrifying bacteria.

Ammonia in its un-ionized form is highly toxic to fish. The biological filter installed therefore would provide
sufficient surface area to allow for attachment of adequate quantities of nitrifying bacteria needed to convert
ammonia into non-toxic or less toxic nitrogen compounds.
A part of ammonia excreted through the gills of fish and originating from the decomposition of organic
compounds in the water is transformed to ionized form as follows:
The f-ratio depends on temperature and pH. Calculations for ammonia removal are similar to calculations for
oxygen supply discussed above.

11.5.1 Conservation of energy

The energy conservation equation describes the energy loss (head loss) that occurs when water flows from one
point to the next. It is a modification of the well known Bernoulli equation into which the head loss term has
been incorporated. The difference in the total head between two places in a pipe, in an open channel, or in a
porous medium such as soil is the head loss. The equation is:

v12/2g+P1/y+Z1=v22/2g+P2/y+Z2+HL
Where : v1, v2=velocity at points 1 and 2
g= gravitational acceleration
P1, P2=pressure at points 1 and 2
Z1, Z2 =elevation of points 1 and 2 above the reference plane
y=unit weight of water (1,000kg/m3)
HL=head loss between points 1 and 2

This equation has all terms necessary to describe pipe flow.

11.6 General Considerations:

The following factors should be noted when designing a system in a given location:
 Availability of supplemental water: The quality and temperature of water should be constant (i.e. the
well should be founded either on subsoil - or bank filtered water).
 Disposal of effluent water: Effluent water is made up of: rinsing water (from the purification units),
washing water (containing disinfecting chemicals) and sewage water. Sewage and washing water can
be connected into the sewage system or collected and then disposed of. Washing water should be
neutralized before disposal.
 Energy supply, thermal and electric: To provide thermal energy it is advised to use cheap natural
hydrothermal or industrial waste heat energy from effluent water of power stations where possible. If
the quality of the natural thermal water is not suitable for fish culture, it should be utilized with a heat-
exchange or heat pump system. A two-directional electric energy supply or motor generator back-up
unit will ensure continuous operation of the system.

11.6.1 Other facilities

1. Road: A paved single lane road will be needed for easy transportation, servicing, etc.
2. Building: The building houses the following: culturing unit, including tanks and troughs; control room for
water control; purification, energy supply, aeration; service rooms (changing room, office, laboratory, food-
preparation, store-room, aggregate room).
3. Technological parts:- Fish tanks of 100 l to 2 m3 volume for proper stocking of different species, preferably
of polyethylene with adjustable water level;
4. Other provisions: heating, ventilation, illumination, lightning protection.
Learning Activities

 Practical: Design oxygen supply for Tilapia re-circulating system at the Aquaculture Farm
 Assignment: Literature review on current trends on recirculating aquaculture systems.

Summary of Topic

Description of a re-use system requires knowledge of the amount of new water added per kg of fish. The
necessary amount of flowing water in the system, and the separation of new and re-used water depends on a
number of factors including: amount of water to satisfy the oxygen requirements of the fish, amount of water to
dilute and remove waste products to acceptable levels, amount of water to ensure self-cleaning of the tanks,
degree of re-use effectiveness of the water treatment system.

The principal treatment processes used in re-circulating systems are: (1) Screening, 2) Settling, (3) Granular
media filtration, (4) Biological filtration, (5) Aeration, (6) Disinfection.

In designing the oxygen supply, maintenance of the required oxygen concentration in the fish tanks and
replacement of the consumed oxygen in the system should be taken into account. The design of the oxygen
supply is based on the material balance equation. In designing ammonia removal, two main considerations
should be taken into account ie the concentration of toxic nitrogen compounds should not exceed lethal levels,
and the toxic nitrogen compounds should be removed or transformed to non-toxic or less toxic materials. To
accomplish these ends, a biological purification system which transforms the toxic nitrogen compounds to non-
toxic forms should be installed into the recycling system.

The two main disadvantages of re-use systems are: the investment and operating costs. In systems with a high
degree of re-use (>95%) the investments can be significantly greater than for the traditional flow-through farms,
several times as high as per unit farming volume.

Further Reading Materials

Aquaculture Engineering

Colt, J.E. and D.A. Armstrong, 1981, Nitrogen toxicity to crustaceans, fish and
molluscs. In Proceedings of the Bio-Engineering Symposium for fish culture, edited by L.J. Alien and
E.C. Kinney. Bethesda, Maryland, Fish Culture Section of the American Fisheries Society, pp. 34-47

Useful Links
[Link] 15 recirculatig systems and re use of water in
aquaculture